Ixxii Journal of Proeeedings, 



added that the question jjut by Mr. Walker, as to whether in the Cynipidae 

 alluded to we had a case of evolution per saltnm, opened a very wide field 

 for discussion, and one which had better perhaps be deferred or left in 

 the able hands of the President. He would however observe that the 

 dimorphic theory really only implied travelling on a double line of rails 

 instead of a single one. The dimorphic forms were both constant in 

 themselves ; but the tendency to variation, the break of unity in habits, 

 and the jDroduction of a temporary new form, were remarkable facts, and 

 well deserved every attention from the biologist. 



At the close of the discussion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to 

 Mr. Fitch for his valuable paper. 



Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart., communicated the following : — 



" Notes on the Occurrence of a Honey Buzzard {Pernis apivorus) in 



Epping Forest. 



" I think it worth while to mention and record that I yesterday and 

 again this morning (Saturday, September 24th, 1881), saw a Honey- 

 Buzzard in the Forest. It rose from a bush of beech close to my feet, 

 and flew with rather a heavy flight to an oak about twenty yards off, 

 where it remained for a few seconds. On examining the bush I found it 

 swarming with wasps, which began to fly out on my touching the bushes. 

 I then found pieces of wasps' comb lying on the ground outside the bush, 

 and the dead leaves scattered around. 



" This morning (September 24th), on approaching the spot, we again 

 saw the bird flying over the trees away from us. Much more of the 

 wasps' comb was lying about, and a large cavity could be seen under the 

 branches where the nest had evidently been scratched up, and the 

 contents strewn around. The branches of the bush showed no signs of 

 mjury, as they would have done had any man disturbed the nest. The 

 account of the bn-d in Gould's ' British Birds,' leaves no doubt that the 

 name is correctly given. The spot was about thirty yards from and above 

 the spring, E.S.E., on the Woodiedon Hill. 



" The bird was again seen, by Mr. Andrew Johnston and myself, on 

 September 2oth during the afternoon, as it was rising from the same 

 wasps' nest as before. It was thus seen on three days consecutively. I 

 hope the place will not become so well known as to risk its being trapped. 



" On \dsiting the spot on the 28th the Buzzard seemed to have left the 

 place, but the remains of the wasps' nest were clearly visible at the side of 

 the hole, grubbed up by the Buzzard as I suppose." 



Under date October 19th, Sir Fowell Buxton adds : — 



" On coming to Norfolk, I find from Mr. J. H. Gurney, of Northrepps 

 (near Cromer), and others, that there have been noticed some twelve or 

 more of this species, as well as common Buzzards. He has tlii'ee alive 

 which have been caught in this neighbourhood (Cromer), and some have 

 been picked up dead on the shore near Yarmouth. Mr. Gurney believes 

 that all the larger Hawks are young birds of this year." 



Mr. R. M. Christy, of Saliron Walden, sent the following under date 

 October 26th, 1881 :— 



