4$ 



The year 1886 leaves the census* of the Cumberland avian 

 fauna unaltered ; but the occurrences of the Black Redstart, 

 Gadvvall, Velvet Scoter, Eider, Great Snipe, Little Gull, Black- 

 throated Diver, and Black Guillemot, present some features of 

 interest. 



In conclusion, the Recorders would tender their grateful thanks 

 to Mr. H. P. Senhouse, to Mr. R. Mann, Mr. A. Smith, and 

 other friends already named, whose hearty support has enabled 

 them to prepare the present report. 



It cannot be too widely understood, that the writers desire to 

 receive information from every quarter. Intimation of rare birds 

 seen or obtained should always be sent to the Recorders. 



MAMMALIA. 

 III. — The Quadrupeds of Cumberland. 

 (i.) Vespertilio natteri. Reddish-grey Bat. 



Early in August last a numerous colony of this Bat was dis- 

 covered by Mr. A. Smith to have become established in an out-house, 

 in immediate proximity to the chimney of the gas works at Castle- 

 town. Of three living specimens sent up to Mr. Macphersou, one 

 happened to escape in a room during the afternoon of its arrival, 

 and flew restlessly to and fro with a light and petulant flight. 

 Although of course entirely unaccustomed to its new and strange 

 environment, this bat constantly and with considerably dexterity 

 avoided coming into contact with any external body, until it 

 happened to reach the window panes, when it appeared to be 

 spurred with the hope of escape, fluttering against the panes with 

 all the eagerness of a bird that fails to understand the substantiality 

 of the transparent barrier opposed to its desired exit. Subsequently 

 resuming its interrupted flight, the bat gyrated freely in all direc- 

 tions, usually flying at a height of ten or twelve feet, and wheeling 

 to and fro with enviable grace and buoyancy. 



Mr. Duckworth subsequently observed an example which had 

 strayed into a room at Castletown, probably one of those previously 

 evicted from the out-house. 



* Captain Johnson of Castlesteads has kindly expressed his impi-ession, that 

 the Spotted Redshank preserved in the Proud Collection {Birds of Cumber- 

 land, p. 159) was obtained by himself on the continent. The doubt thus thrown 

 on this specimen in no way affects the presence of the species in the county list. 



