INSESSORES. 121 



but I think there can be little doubt that it is only 

 a variety. 



Family Meropid^. 



Bee-Eater, Merops a'piaster. I have seen a 

 stuffed specimen, said to have been killed many 

 years ago between Kingsbury and Hampstead ; but 

 owing to the length of time that has elapsed since 

 its capture, I have been unable to obtain any par- 

 ticulars respecting it. 



Family Halcyonid^. 



Kingfisher, Alcedo ispicla. Kesident throughout 

 the year, although many leave us at the approach of 

 winter. A few pairs breed on the banks of the Brent 

 and Silk stream, and also along the Thames and 

 Colne. Kingfishers always appear most numerous in 

 autumn, and naturally so, for the young are then 

 flyers and may be found at all our brooks. I hardly 

 know a prettier sight, or one more gratifying to the 

 naturalist, than that of a Kingfisher feeding. Many 

 a time have I lain at full length, by the water-side, 

 and screened by a thick bush, watched one of these 

 birds dart into the stream from a favourite stump, 

 and, seizing a passing fish, return with it to its 

 perch. Invariably holding its prey behind the gills, 

 it would, on regaining the stump, knock the fish 

 several times against the wood, until stunned or 



