April 28th, I goj.] Proceedings. xxxv 



Andrena grynana, and Bombiliiis major, the last two being the 

 most frequent visitors of the primrose flowers. 



Dr. George Wilson read a paper entitled "A Factor in 

 the Safety of High-speed Torpedo Boat Destroyers," 

 written by himself in conjunction with Mr. A. T. Weston. 



The following paper was also read . — 



Notes on the Breeding Habits and Distribution of 

 the Common Buzzard (Buleo vulgaris) in the 

 Northern Counties of England. 



By R. W. Ellison. 

 ( With a Plate.) 



The Common Buzzard is still a resident in the Lake Districts 

 of Cumberland and Westmorland, where I have had frequent 

 opportunity of observing the birds, and examining several of their 

 nests. For some time it was supposed that this species had 

 ceased to breed in England, owing to its having been subjected 

 to the increasing persecution of gamekeepers, and to the 

 removal of large tracts of forest. Driven from their home in the 

 woods, the birds have now taken up their abode in remote and 

 mountainous parts of the country, where they find a safe retreat 

 amongst the crags. 



The nest is usually constructed on a ledge of rock, and 

 placed in such a position as to afford the sitting bird an uninter- 

 rupted view of a long valley. The birds are not always observed 

 in their breeding haunts, as they are very apprehensive of danger, 

 and on the approach of any intruder will silently leave their nest 

 and disappear over the mountain top into the valley beyond. 

 Should they become aware, however, that their nest has been 

 discovered, they immediately appear on the scene and shew 

 much anxiety, and, crying loudly, will occasionally feign to attack 

 by swooping at the head of the intruder. 



Early in May, 1900, I observed a nest in a tree, and, from 

 the character of the nest and the size of the eggs, concluded 

 they were the production of a pair of young birds, who had 



