NOTES ON THE KINGFISHER AND SHORTEARED OWL. 115 



Next day, work began in earnest. The beating for larvoe and Beetles 

 was successful beyond our most sanguine expectations. Upwards of 

 eighty species of Coleoptera were collected. The following are a portion 

 which have been named: — Scaplildiam quadrimaculatum ; Lcunpyris noctiluca ; 

 Badlster hipustulatus ; Haltica Nemorum ; Thyamis femoralis ; Ontliophagus 

 nucliicornis; 0. ovatiis ; Ctenicerus pectinicornis ; Elater sanguineus; Byturus 

 tomentosus ; Aplon violaceum ; A. humile ; A. Ervl ; Epurea ohscura. 



It may be worthy of note that a nest of the Wild Duck (Anas 

 boscJias), containing nine eggs, was found built up in the trunk of an old 

 oak, four or five yards from the ground, and at least one mile from any 

 water. A specimen of the Adder (Vipera herus) was captured alive, and 

 secured within a bottle. 



In the evening we took a stroll down to Ollerton Corner, thinking we 

 might hear the Nightingale, but found it was too early for its appearance. 

 We were repaid by many incidents in a delightful walk, and on our return 

 at 11 o'clock p.m., the Grasshox^per Warbler (Sylvia locustella) and the 

 Sedge Warbler (5'. Phragmitis) were in full song. 



Next morning we packed up our luggage, and sent it off to Worksop. 

 Walking leisurely after, we took train, and arrived home quite safely, after 

 a most delightful and interesting excursion. 



NOTES ON THE DISTINGUISHING POINTS IN THE 

 SEXES OF THE KINGFISHER AND SHORTEARED OWL. 



By S. p. Saville, Esq., M.B.N.U., &c., &c., 



Private Naturalist to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. 



" Infinite is thy mercy, and in wisdom hast thou made them all.' 



I am aware the subject of which I purpose to treat, is a most tenacious 

 one, and its many failings must, therefore, be read with leniency, taking 

 the will for the deed. I am convinced of the pure truth of my assertions, from 

 the minute and careful examination of many examples, and repeated 

 observation of freshly killed birds, extending over some years, nor have I 

 set down these points or distinct features without first thoroughly ex- 

 amining the truth of what I now pen, well knowing what a difficult task 

 I had before me (yet not difficult when once ascertained). There are 



