CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 277 



the common species, and I have no doubt but that such has frequently been the 

 case. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, June, 1837. 



Cranes and Crabs. — On the Coast of Chili innumerable small Crabs live in 

 cylindrical excavations in the sand, and, as the tide approaches, watch for their 

 share of the booty brought by the waves, while they themselves are threatened 

 by the long-legged Cranes, which pursue with extraordinary eagerness the 

 Crustacea, and in general all marine animals. But the bird cannot get one of 

 these Crabs except by rapid flight, and even the diligent naturalist does not 

 obtain them without digging in the sand ; for the smallest trembling of the 

 ground under foot, even the shadow of a person approaching, warns the little 

 animal of its danger, and, with the rapidity of lightning, it starts into its hole. 

 Swarms of little fish purposely suffer themselves to be brought by every wave 

 far upon the beach, and seem to take pleasure in the sport, for they are so quick 

 and so attentive that you may attempt in vain to catch a single one, or to 

 intercept a number in their retreat with the receding wave. The grave Herons 

 alone contrive to deceive them by their fixed attitude, which, at a favourable 

 moment, is interrupted by an almost convulsive motion, and brings death to one 

 of the poor dupes. — Pes pig's Travels. 



A Hive op Bees swarming three times in eleven Days. — Mr. J. Thack- 

 ray, of the Hill Top, near Bramham, has a hive of Bees which swarmed three 

 times within the short space of eleven days, namely, on June 3, 11, and 13. — 

 Doncaster Chronicle. 



Remarkably large Trout. — A few days ago a Trout was caught in the 

 river Strid, by Mr. Scott, of Strid Cottage, near Bolton Abbey, weighing 

 eight pounds six ounces, and measuring two feet two inches in length, and fifteen 

 inches round. — Doncaster Chronicle, June 24. 



On separating the Pigeon Family from Rasore*, and the Plover Family 

 from Grailatores. — I think Mr. Allis (p. 57) has very ably shown that the 

 Columbidce ought not to be retained in the order Rasores, and I would suggest, 

 that a portion of the Ckaradriadce be removed from the order Grailatores to the 

 Rasores, to supply the place of Columbidce. I must leave it to more scientific 

 persons than myself to define which genera are to be removed. I think there 

 eannot be a doubt that the habits of most of the species partake more of the 

 Rasorial than the Grallatorial order. Amongst them the Stone Thick-knee 

 ((Edicnemus crepitans J is very conspicuous; for instead of resorting to low wet 

 grounds, it entirely confines itself to the most arid parts of the country, and 

 consequently cannot be considered a Wader. The same may be said of several 

 other species now included among the Ckaradriadce. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, 

 Norfolk, June 14, 1837. 



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