3H2 MISCELLANY. 



unwilling to intermit either for the shortest time. When close, the Marsh and 

 Coal Tits are at once distinguished by the absence or presence of the white spot 

 behind the head. — Ed. 



Comparative Distribution of the Buntings. — Amongst scores of Buntings 

 shot within a few months in the neighbourhood of Doncaster, only one was a 

 Corn Bunting. The Yellow species, as elsewhere, is extremely abundant, and 

 the Reed Bunting by no means scarce. The latter is, we believe, equally but 

 rather sparingly distributed in England. — Ed. 



Propriety or otherwise of the Name Budytes. — I rather doubt the pro- 

 priety of the name Budytes, as applied to the Spring Oatear of your British Song 

 Birds, having noticed the Pied Wagtail quite as assiduous in his attentions to 

 the cattle, in extensive low pastures, as the former, and quite as familiar with 

 them, if not more so ; but this kindness seems only to be given on special occa- 

 sions. — Edwin Lees, ~Dryadville Cottage, near Worcester, Oct. 21, 1836. [That 

 the Pied Wagtails may often be seen among cattle is not to be questioned ; but 

 that they are much less constant cattle-attenders is, on the other hand, equally 

 certain. — Ed.] 



The last Swallow in Surrey in 1836. — Swallows w r ere last seen here on 

 the 21st of this month. — Edward Blyth, Tooting, Surrey, Oct. 28, 1836. 



The Missel Thrush in a Shower of Rain. — On the 21st of October, 1836, 

 while taking shelter under a tree, we remember noticing a Missel Thrush 

 perched on the top of a lofty Beech-tree, during a pelting shower of rain, without 

 moving an inch. It would not permit any of its species to approach the tree, 

 which it quitted as soon as the shower ceased. It appeared to view the descend- 

 ing element in the light of a shower-bath, and to enjoy it accordingly. The 

 same may be said of Pigeons, which every one must have noticed spreading their 

 wings to receive the shower. — Ed. 



The Black Rat at Yarm. — Mr. Thomas Meynell, jun., informs me, that he 

 meets with the Black Rat at Yarm. He says: — "I took one this year (1836) among 

 several Water Rats, in a trap set for the purpose, in consequence of their having 

 attacked the Peaches and Nectarines ; they were not even contented with the 

 fruit, but also attacked the branches of a Hamburgh Vine." — F. 0. Morris, 

 Doncaster, Sept. 3, 1837. 



The Robin Redbreast on the Sea-coast. — In winter this bird may often be 

 seen close to the sea-side, upon those rocks covered with sea- weed, probably in 

 search of marine insects. To some this may not appear extraordinary ; yet 

 many of the admirers of this universal favourite would be a little surprised 

 at meeting him there, in a place so different from his usual haunts. — Patrick 

 Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837. 



A Ferret Weasel suckling a Kitten. — A few days ago a live Kitten was 



