CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 141 



favourable day, and as scores of drag-nets are out as 

 soon as dusk sets in, some idea of the number of birds 

 caught may be formed. 



The whole of the specimens in the case were obtained 

 in the Potter Heigham Marshes, in the east of Norfolk, 

 in June, 1870 ; the Stoat being surprised while carrying 

 off the young Lark. 



GOLDEN ORIOLE. 



Case 167. 



The showy plumage of the Golden Oriole greatly 

 interferes with its chance of a quiet life in the British 

 Islands. 



If not molested, it is most probable that these birds 

 would soon become regular summer visitors to our 

 shrubberies and gardens. I have myself seen the nest 

 and eggs in Norfolk, and the fact has lately been 

 recorded in the papers of a brood or two being reared 

 in Kent. 



The greater number, however, of those that make 

 their appearance are speedily shot down ; and the 

 reception that they meet with gives those that escape 

 but small inducement to pay another visit to our 

 shores. 



The specimen in the case was shot between Shore- 

 ham and Lancing, in Sussex, in April, 1872. 



