146 CORRESPONDENCE. 



Ornithological Notes. — The summer migratory birds have not yet 

 arrived in large numbers, though many of them announced themselves as 

 usual about the middle of the month. The little Chiffchaff is the first 

 comer, and arrived before the middle of March, He was not only earlier, 

 but in much greater numbers than usual ; whilst the Willow Wren, which 

 commonly arrives about the same time, and is so similar in appearance that 

 it is difficult to distinguish one from the other except by the song, did not 

 make its appearance till nearly a month later. — The Cuckoo was heard 

 near Allesley on the 17th, and on the 19th a few Swallows appeared both 

 at Col. Caldicott's and at Stoke. They at once flew to the outbuildings, 

 where their last year's nests were made, and they seemed glad to perch 

 frequently and rest after their long travel.— On tbe 25th I saw the White- 

 throat and the Redstart ; I also heard a Corncrake on that day, but 

 have heard nothing of her since. — On the 29th I heard the Nightingale in 

 Willenhall Wood. I think they are not plentiful about us this year, as 

 I have only heard that one at present. — As yet I have not heard the 

 Blackcap. They are due about the 20th April, and I consider them the 

 most charming of all our songsters. — At Stoke we have certainly no 

 dearth of our old friends the Blackbirds, Thrushes, Chaffinches, and 

 Wagtails. The irrepressible Starling too, has been holding great 

 gatherings in parliament assembled, and as usual they are building all 

 about us, wherever a suitable chimney or spout or old tree can be 

 found. — T. Gulson, Coventry, May 6th. 



Marine Excursion. — The Natural Science Section of the Nottingham 

 Literary and Philosophical Society are making arrangements for a 

 summer excursion to the Isle of Man. The main object of the excursion 

 will be to examine the marine fauna and flora by dredging off the coast 

 during fair weather. Inland excursions will also be organised for the 

 purpose of observing the many interesting geological, archaeological, and 

 botanical features of the island. The beginning of August is the time pro- 

 posed, and Port Erin is to be the head quarters of the party. It is 

 expected that all who join the party will contribute their share of the 

 general dredging expenses. If twenty join this will not exceed 15s. each. 

 Persons who contribute towards the dredging expenses, whether belonging 

 to the excursion party or not, will be entitled to a share of the specimens 

 obtained. The expenses for a fortnight — the length of time it is proposed 

 to stay — including railway fare, and hotel accommodation, are estimated 

 at about five guineas each. The excursion will be open to the members 

 of all the societies in the Midland Union. Those who wish to take part 

 in the excursion, will oblige by giving in their names and addresses as 

 early as possible, but not later than Wednesday, June the 30th, to 

 the Hon. Secretary, pro tern., Mr. E. Wilson, 18, Low Pavement, 

 Nottingham. 



$ep0rfs rf Sbamtm. 



BIRMINGHAM NAT DEAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 

 — Microscopical General Meeting. — April 20th. — Mr. J. E. Bagnall exhibited 

 Oxalis acetosella, forma purpurea, a rare variety from Bushwood, Lapworth ; 

 Viola Reichenbachiana f romLapworth Street.local in Warwickshire ; Plagiothecium 

 latebricola, very rare in Warwickshire; vn&Jungermannia creiudata from Berks- 



