232 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. vi. 



information lie was unable to substantiate the statement. The Cross- 

 bill resident in Scotland is, of course, a distinct form, Loxia c. acotica, 

 and apparently is not a wanderer. The Crossbill which breeds in 

 Ireland is, however, the typical form, but if Mr. Bunj^ard had studied 

 the liistory of the bird in Ireland he would \\a.xe found that it was 

 not indigenous but had " settled down " (with fluctuations) after 

 irruptions (see Brit. B., IV., p. 334), and the bird may now be acting 

 in the same way in Suffolk; but I suggest that we should wait a little 

 longer before we make sure of this, especially as the breecUng birds 

 are diminishing in numbers. — H.F.W.] 



SUPPOSED OCCURRENCE OF THE SACRED IBIS. 



To the Editors of British Birds. 



Sirs, — Although the Sacred Ibis recently shot in Essex (British 

 Birds, p. 200) was probably an escaped one, there is more to be said 

 for one which was taken alive on the coast at Bulverhythe in Sussex 

 in 1871. I saw this bird alive in a garden near to where it had been 

 ■caught, and some particulars of it were sent to Prof. Xewton. 



J. H. GURNEY. 



