CORRESPONDENCE. 359 



In Rennie's edition of Montagu's admirable Ornithological Dictionary, the 

 mode of progression of the Locustell is stated to be by hopping ; but in the May 

 number of The Naturalist (p. 78), it is mentioned, on the authority of Mr. J. D. 

 Hov, that the bird advances by running, and not by hopping. The individual 

 noticed was repeatedly observed to hop, and never once to run. We therefore 

 feel very little doubt but that Rennie and others are perfectly correct in their 

 statements ; but we shall be glad of the observations of correspondents on this 

 point. One thing is certain, namely, that the Locustell does proceed on the 

 ground by hopping — the question is, whether this is invariably or only occasionally 

 the case ? 



We fully expected, from the restless and disconsolate appearance of the bird, 

 that as it was the first so it would be the last time we should see it, and accord- 

 ingly made ourselves master of its habits and attitudes as far as was possible in 

 eo short a time. Partial as it evidently was to the covert, we occasionally 

 succeeded in driving it from the bushes, when it flew to the ground, exactly 

 in the hurried shuffling manner of the Ivy Wren when it thinks itself 

 watched. These disturbances certainly tended to attach it more and more to its 

 favourite brushwood, but not in the slightest degree to cause it to apprehend 

 danger on our near approach. We could do all but catch it ; and as we wished, 

 if possible, to induce it to sojourn a while in our neighbourhood, we took care 

 not to molest it more than was necessary for purposes of observation. But we 

 had predicted truly. Campsall was not to be the resting-place, even for a few 

 days, of the Sibilous Locustell. Often and diligently have we since searched the 

 spot and the neighbourhood, at all times of the day, and almost of the night too, 

 without once again meeting any traces of our favourite of the 4th of May. 

 Campsall Hall, Sept. 3, 1837. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Which are the Best Works in the Several Departments of Natural 



History ? 



To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



Sir, — From the kindly spirit which I have with pleasure observed pervading 

 The Naturalist, both on your own part, and in general on that of your contribu- 

 tors, I feel assured you will not close its pages against an enquiring tyro in 

 Natural History. Indeed, your ready acquiescence in the proposal of H. E. H. 

 (p. 89), satisfies me that you are ever willing that there should be a free inter- 



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