51 



1898 



In 1896 I recorded a Badger (Meles taxus) at Kiltoii 

 Woods, but shortly afterwards it met Avith the usual violent 

 end. I have since traced these animals almost continuously from 

 the coast to Swainby Moor. They are rigorously exterminated 

 by the keepers, although what harm they do beyond killing 

 off a few of the ever plentiful rabbit it is difficult to 

 i;nderstand. 



Squirrels are still on the increase and seem general every- 

 where in small woods. 



Stoats assuming the white fur have been obtained in about 

 usual numbers, notwithstanding that the last winters and 

 springs have beeir remarkable for the absence of hard weather. 

 Is it possible that the change has become so fixed and here- 

 ditary that it continues after the necessity for it has ceased? 



Otters have Ijeen taken both last and this year in the valley 

 of the Esk. 



Pisces. 



On November 15th, 1898, Dr. Veitch, the Honorary 

 Curator of Middlesbrough ^Museum, reports the capture of a 

 Shark in the Tees. He writes : — "Early yesterday afternoon 

 two river men ran to earth near the 9th buoy a l)lue shark 

 (Sgnalur glaucus), 7^ feet long, and weighing about 4 cwt. 

 After many troubles with it, a landing at Middlesbrough was 

 effected without damaging the specimen. Fishermen on the 

 coast have a deadly hate against tlie creature because of its 

 depredations among their nets whilst pursuing its food ; and 

 it is very probable that its last foray was after salmon on their 

 ay up the river. It is likely to find a peaceful repose in the 

 N.H. collection of Middlesbrough. Sailors believe that the 

 blue shark swallows its young in an emergency, Viperine 

 snakes are credited with the same faculty. However, living 

 young pristidfe have been found in the stomach of the parents ; 

 the record of dead ones so found is nil." 



The stomach of the above specimen only contained a few 

 remains of crabs. 



