)6G CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 



the year, though we are of opinion that the notes heard in winter are those of 

 young birds. — Ed.] 



Expedition to Algeria. — The Academy of Sciences in Paris has united with 

 that of Belles Lettres, in a request to the government to send to Algeria, with 

 the exploring expedition, such persons as shall be capable of, and especially 

 charged with, making geographical and physical observations, and researches in 

 Natural and Historical Science. 



Arrivals of Birds. — In looking over my last year's pocket-book, I find that 

 our migratory Warblers arrived here about the 6th of April, but I have this year 

 seen no signs of them. It is rather odd that the young Rooks at this place were 

 hatched on the same day this year as last, namely, on the 8th. The Grey Crows 

 departed last year on the 9th ; this year, as far as I can make out, on the 7th. 

 Last year I saw a House Swallow on the 4th, but have not observed any this 

 year. — R. P. Alington ,' Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, April 12, 1837, in a let- 

 ter to the Rev. F. 0. Morris. 



Scarcity of the House Sparrow (Pyrgita domesticaj near Doncaster. — 

 This species, proverbially common, is, strange to say, really rare in this immediate 

 neighbourhood. I am not aware whether this fact has been stated, but I have 

 heard it confirmed by several individuals, and it certainly is so. Small flocks 

 may be seen in farm-yards here and there, but, compared with the numbers in other 

 parts, they may be said to be almost unknown here. Even in the town it is a 

 rare occurrence to see one. How to account for this circumstance I know not. 

 The birds cannot have been all destroyed ? — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, May 5, 

 1837. — £ We can confirm the above fact from our own observation. — Ed.]. 



Feathered Miners. — A Garden Ouzel which had built its nest beneath the 

 leaves of a large Brocoli, in the garden of Vernon Wentworth, Esq., of Went- 

 worth Castle, near Barnsley, Yorkshire, and which contained some young ones, 

 was completely buried by the snow which fell so plentifully during last week. 

 The parent bird, however, formed a tunnel beneath the snow, more than two 

 feet in length, through which they gained access to their brood. — April 5. 



The Common Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris, Linn.). — In no part of England that 

 I have visited do Squirrels appear to be so abundant as in Yorkshire — of course 

 in the wooded districts. They are here exceedingly common, and may be seen 

 in every wood, where the timber is of any growth. In this neighbourhood I 

 have also repeatedly observed them throughout the winter, which militates rather 

 against the received opinion, which is, I believe, that they hybernate. — F. 0. 

 Morris, Doncaster, May 4, 1837. — [Mr. Bell informs us that the Squirrel re- 

 mains in a state of almost complete torpidity in winter, but that it may be seen 

 •out on fine days. — Ed.] 



The Camberwell Beauty (Vanessa antiopa). — A locality for this rare and 



