1912 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 69 



its position in some shallow near the bank, raised itself to its f^^ll height, rested its 

 dagger-like bill on it breast, and ivaited. The Summer breeze agitated the bul- 

 rushes growing near, but did not move the stately bird. By and by a frog plunged 

 into the water from the bank, or an eel wriggled out from the roots of the flags ; 

 and then — that sharp bill descended with lightning rapidity and transfixed the 

 intruder. 



A pair of Belted Kingfishers frequented the mill-pond up the stream. They 

 had their nest in a hole in the bank, under the roots of a tree. While the female 

 sat upon her hatch of white eggs, the male fished for her support. He took his 

 perch on a branch of a tree overhanging the pond, and watched. Soon a silvery 

 gleam showed where a minnow was at play; and then, like an arrow from a bow, 

 the bird darted down into the depths in pursuit. 



The kingfisher swallows its prey whole, and afterwards disgorges the bones in 

 pellets. The brooding kingfisher does this, and so its nest becomes matted with 

 fish-bones, which serve to keep its young from the cold earth. 



There is an English bird whose aquatic feats excel those of the Northern Diver 

 and the Belted Kingfisher — it is the AYater Ousel {Hydrolaia cinclus). I have 

 watched this bird running at the bottom of a clear Yorkshire stream, seemingly 

 as much at ease as the Wagtails that run along the bank. 



A high and -sandy part of one of the banks of the stream was much frequented 

 by the Spotted Sandpiper. One or two pairs usually raised their young not far 

 from my home. They were graceful birds. In colour they were olive-brown above, 

 prettily barred with black. Beneath, they were white and much speckled. They 

 seemed to be so delicately balanced upon their long legs, that they were constantly 

 pitching forward. This habit gained for them the common name of "Tip-up." 



T'hij- name reminds me of one of my neighbours, who entertained some peculiar 

 ideas. He believe'! that e\e]-y surce&sivG genoraliou of men was "wiser and weaker" 

 than that preceding it. Wlien asked what he could show in support of this notion, 

 he said, "We read* that the king of Eabbah wore a crown that weighed a talent 

 of gold (117 Ibts., 19 dwts., 16 grs.). Fancy old Billy yonder" — pointing to a 

 diminutive specimen of humanity — 'Vith a hundredweight of headgear. Why he'd 

 go bohhing round like a tip-up." 



One early morning 1 was gratified with an unusual sight : I surprised a pair 

 of mink as they were sporting on the brink of the stream. When they caught sight 

 of me they quickly disappeared. 



The Stoat (Putorious 7101-61) oracen sis) was more frequently seen, whether in its 

 summer coat, or its winter ermine. Walking along a lane that crossed the brook, 

 on an Autumn day, T heard a rustling in the dry leaves by the wayside. I stood 

 still Presently a field-mouse (Micrcfvi peniisiflvanicus) , and then another, 

 dashed into the road, and away, up the opposite bank. In a moment or two I 

 heard a more stealthy tread, and then out came a istoat with its nose to the ground, 

 following the exact course of the fugitives. It was tracking them by the scent, as a 

 hound tracks a fox. How could a mouse escape such a foe? 



Another interesting creature that frequented the stream was the Painted 

 Turtle [Chrysemys picta). This reptile was very gay, with rose-coloured bands 

 and stripes along its sides, and under the edge of its carapace. It was fond of sun- 

 ning itself on a stone or log. It deposited its eggs in the sandy banks of the 

 stream, and left them to hatch of themselves. The young ones readily found their 

 way to the water. 



*1 Chron., ch. xx, 1st and 2nd verses. 



