1908. Notes, 59 



They had probablj' just arrived, as they come south in winter and 

 travel in flocks. Unlike others of this family they avoid forests, and are 

 found in open country such as moors, fens, and sandhills where bracken 

 abounds. Although these birds live nearly altogether on vermin, it is 

 surprising how few people recognise them as useful birds; gamekeepers 

 do their best to exterminate them, and in doing so increase the number 

 of their enemies ; others shoot them because they are rare, or because 

 they imagine their story will not be believed unless they can produce a 

 specimen ; for this reason I do not name the locality in which! saw them. 



E. H. Fr.KTCHRR. 

 Castlerock, Co. IvOndonderry. 



Richard's Pipit in Co. Dublin. 



In the Zoologist for January, W. J. Williams records the capture in a net 

 at Ivucan on November 21 of a Richard's Pipit, {Anthus Richardii). the 

 first occurrence in Ireland. 



Wood-Pigeon Diphtheria. 



We are glad to draw attention to the schedule issued by British 

 Birds, which is inserted in the present number. Much public interest 

 has been shown lately in the disease of which Wood-Pigeons were 

 dying so freely last winter The subject is of considerable scientific 

 interest ; moreover, it is quite possible, although it has not yet been 

 absolutely proved that this disease, which is most infectious amongst 

 Wood-Pigeons themselves, may also be contracted by other birds, and 

 especially game-birds. It is of great importance, therefore, to find a 

 means of stamping out the diphtheria. Before, however, any effective 

 means can be taken to eradicate the disease it is necessary to discover its 

 origin. In the January issue of British Bijds, Dr. C. B. Ticehurst, of 

 Guy's Hospital, wrote on Wood-Pigeon diphtheria, and explained that it 

 was due to a micro-organism called Bacilltis diphtheria, coltunbartim. At 

 the same time Dr. Ticehurst points out that the etiology of the disease 

 is most incomplete, and that much has to be learnt as to its origin 

 and distribution, before we can suggest a remedy. 



Little Bittern in Co. Donegal. 



A beautiful specimen of an adult male Little Bittern (Ardetta mimita, 

 Linn.) has just been received from Owey Island, N.W. Donegal. It was 

 found exhausted on the beach on Februar}' 9th by the light-keeper, and 

 died shortly afterwards. 



R. M. Barrington 

 Fassaroe, Bray. 



