ON THE. SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR "GRASSHOPPER WARBLER." 357 



29G. canus. White-headed Gull (R). 

 298. argentatus. Herring Gull. 

 209. fuscus. Fuscous Gull. 

 300. marinus. Black-backed Gull. 



ex. Lestris. Skua. 

 305. Richardsonii. Richardson's Skua. 



cxi. Procellaria. Petrel. 



311. pelagica. Stormy Petrel. 



312. Leachii. Leach's Petrel. Near Middleton. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF THE SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR "GRASS- 

 HOPPER WARBLER." 



By Neville Wood, Esquire. 



Although this little creature (Locustetta sibilatrix) is by no means rare in 

 some parts of Britain, yet little accurate detail has been ascertained relative to 

 its habits in its natural state. This may unquestionably be attributed to two 

 circumstances : — 1st, the generally shy and hidling habits of the species ; and 

 2nd, the very limited number of individuals who have time, patience, or incli- 

 nation to attend to the minutiae of the manners of animals. The number of 

 zealous naturalists, in any given district, is unquestionably small ; and when we 

 consider the various branches of Mammalogy, Ornithology, Entomology, Ich- 

 thyology, Erpetology, Botany, Geology, &c, into which Natural History is 

 divided, and the difficulty of attaining to even a tolerable general knowledge of 

 any of these extensive sciences, it is not to be expected that the history of any 

 country or district should become perfect all at once. The biography of the 

 Locustell is, however, at present so imperfect, that it still remains a question 

 among ornithologists whether this bird progresses on the ground by hopping or by 

 running (see pp. 78 and 293) — a circumstance at first sight trivial, but one of 

 considerable interest and importance both to the systematist and the field 

 naturalist. 



We have only once enjoyed an opportunity of observing the Sibilous Locustell 

 at large. On the morning of the fourth of May (a remarkably sultry day for 

 the time of year) happening to stroll near a wood in the neighbourhood of 

 Campsall, we all but trod upon a Ringed Snake (Natrix torquata). Now 

 although this species is not venomous or poisonous, yet when irritated, or sud- 

 denly alarmed, it raises its head threateningly, hisses vehemently, and thrusts 



No. 13, Vol. II. 3 b 



