22 The Irish Naturalist. January, 



reason to doubt its accuracy) the fish would not only be attracted by the 

 light, but would see to attempt a supper off the baits which hung 

 seductively around. No bite was felt; not even an eel showed up, 

 though we usually got these after dark. 



After consideration, I felt rather inclined to think that sea fish would 

 avoid a light, since they would probably connect it with the phos- 

 phorescence caused by an enemy moving in the water. 



J. Brown. 



Ivonghurst, Belfast. 



Departure of Swallows. 



On the 28th of September I noticed a great many Swallows flying very 

 low. This was a very stormy and warm day, which would bring down 

 the insects. On the 6th of October I again saw them sitting in groups 

 of about a dozen or so on the eaves of the houses, and occasionally 

 flying round. On the 7th and Sth October they were flying backwards 

 and forwards in front of the house. These were the last Swallows I 

 noted this year about here. 



W. H. Workman. 



Windsor, Belfast. 



Quails in Co. Down. 



It may interest your readers to hear (as I am informed by my cousin, 

 Mr. J. S. Thompson, of Glassdrummond, near Annalong, Co. Down), 

 that four Quails were observed in that neighbourhood last year, at a 

 place called Turlo's Hill ; also that some years ago a brace was observed 

 on another farm in that neighbourhood, but the exact date is not 

 known. My informant does not think that any nest was found. 



J. Brown. 



Ivonghurst, Belfast. 



Snow- Bunting in Co. Gal way. 



Mr. P. Dav}', of Woodberry, Loughrea, has sent me a male Snow- 

 Bunting {Plectrophanes nivalis) shot on December 4th out of a flock of six. 

 The white feathers are still broadly tipped with brown. 



R. E). Dii^i^ON. 

 Clonbrock, Ahascragh. 



Waxwing near Londonderry. 



I examined a fine specimen of Waxwing {Affi/>elis garrnlus, Linn.), shot 

 on 4th December, by Mr. A. Hutchman, at Bridgend, about five miles 

 from Londonderry. 



D. C. Campbhi,!.. 



