290 Transactions of the [Sess. 



proved by the circumstance of so many having been noted during 

 the past summer. Some allowance must no doubt be made for the 

 fact that there are now many more accurate observers of bird-life 

 than formerly, therefore much valuable information is brought to 

 light that previously was lost from want of the requisite attention 

 being paid to such subjects ; but still this does not militate against 

 the probability that by breeding in the country (as the birds have 

 been lately known to do, and returning with their broods to their 

 old haunts), they may be gradually increasing in numbers. It 

 therefore behoves all who may chance to come in contact with the 

 species to give it whatever protection they can, and so tend to 

 enhance the prospect of its yet becoming one of our familiar sum- 

 mer birds of passage. On the 15th of May last I saw two of these 

 birds in the parish, mated and evidently looking out for a nesting- 

 place. Operations were not, however, begun at tbis spot, and, the 

 birds disappearing on the following day, I failed to find any trace 

 of them until the 9th of June, when, a short distance off, I dis- 

 covered, in the hole of an Alder tree, a nest with eggs, on which 

 the hen-bird was sitting. Her male associate, nevertheless, did 

 not look such a fine specimen as the one first noticed. But next 

 day (10th) I observed a very superior plumaged cock, and so con- 

 cluded that two pairs were in the neighbourhood. In the hope 

 that another nest might not be far off, the bird's movements were 

 closely watched until a little patience produced the desired result. 

 This second nest was in the hole of a Eowan tree, and only about 

 100 yards distant from the other. It also contained eggs. The 

 one first found was deserted by the birds before the eggs were 

 hatched, owing probably to an act of molestation ; but the other 

 pair hatched out a young brood which were fledged on 8th July, 

 having remained in the nest about seventeen days. The habits of 

 this bird bear a considerable similarity to those of its congener, 

 the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola), insects seeming to con- 

 stitute its principal food-supply. The mode of feeding is to re- 

 main quietly perched until it espies an insect, when off it darts to 

 secure the same. While, however, the Spotted species usually sits 

 on the outermost branches of trees, or on some prominent object, 

 directing its gaze to insects that are passing on the wing, the Pied 

 Flycatcher turns its attention mainly to what is stirring amidst 

 the trees, caj)turing the most of its prey off the leaves and 

 branches. Occasional outward sallies are also made after passing 

 insects, when a snap of the bill may be heard at the moment of 

 seizure, and descents are made also to those on, and in proximity 

 to, the ground. During the period of incubation the male feeds 

 his partner very frequently, both when in the nest and out of it, 

 but does not, so far as I could ascertain, assist in hatching. When 

 a person approaches close to their nest they show little concern, 



