22G CORRESPONDENCE. 



C0rrfspnbrnte» 



Combined Wokk. — In reply to F. L. I hope to state, in our September 

 number, my scheme for a combined examination of the Glacial Deposits 

 of the Midland Counties, by the members of the Scientific Societies 

 comprised in the Midland Union. In the meantime I shall be glad to 

 receive suggestions from all who are interested in the subject. — W. J. 

 Haeeison. 



The Magnophone, so called (page 187.) — It is to be hoped that this 

 name will not be adopted, as it will add one more to the already 

 sufficiently long list of incorrectly formed words. Magnoi)hone is a 

 hybrid, the first element being derived from the Latin, and the latter 

 from the Greek language. If it is required to invent a word which shall 

 mean " an instrument for increasing sound," it will be easy enough to do 

 so. The word Megaphone has also been used ; this is incorrect too ; 

 Megalophone is not liable to the same objection, and may be used if it 

 can be accepted as expressing the requii-ed idea. — W. B. G. 



Spurious Antiquities. — We have just had forwarded for inspection 

 and to report thereon a number of leaden figures, vases, &c., some of 

 which bear the date 1001, and others 1010. They are evidently of the 

 same description as those which were " sown" during the construction of 

 the Thames Embankment, some ten or fifteen j^ears ago. A medal of 

 Claudius C'cesar cast in brass, which accompanies them, is of rather better 

 execution, but still is plainly enough a modern antique. — Leicester. 



Pre-Glacial Man. — Walking through the Jermyn Street Geological 

 Museum a few days ago I noted a remarkable addition to the case of stone 

 implements. This is a paleolithic implement of yellowish flint, about 

 three inches in length and of a type between ovate and pointed. It is 

 still embedded in a reddish brick-earth. The accompanying label 

 describes it as a " Palaeolithic implement embedded in matrix of loam 

 below the chalky boulder clay at Botany Bay Brickyard, Weeting, near 

 Brandon." It was found by Mr. S. J. B. Skertchley, of the Geological 

 Survey. As the chalky boulder clay of the eastern counties marks the 

 height of the Glacial Period, it is e\'ideut that the finding of an implement 

 undoubtedly wi-ought by human hands, beneath that boulder clay, is a 

 satisfactory indication of the existence of man prior to or during the 

 Glacial Period. We trust Mr. Skertchley will at no distant date make 

 public the full details of his most interesting and important discovery. — 

 W. J. H. 



Cuckoo. — I do not know whether it has ever been noticed by your 

 readers that the cuckoo is extremely active i)revious to rain. I have 

 frequently noticed this during the spring, and could alwaj's reckon upon 

 rain within two hours of his singing. — E. Griffitus, Bishop's Castle. 



Cuckoo. — In answer to your con-espondent, N., I beg to say I have 

 many times heard the cuckoo give the note mentioned, but have always 

 concluded that it did so when alarmed. The first two notes are sounded 

 somewhat slowly and the next four vcrij much more quickly. — Observer, 

 Stroud. 



CocKOO. — The additional " Cucks " in the song of the cuckoo, 

 mentioned by " N. " in the last number of the " Midland Naturahst," are 

 by no means uncommon, and may bo heard most frequently when the 

 bird is chasing another, or being itself chased ; or sometimes — but more 

 rarely — it appears to be uttered from very wantonness, a perfect volley of 

 '■Cuck-Cuck" being shouted out before the final " o-o." — Montaou 

 Browne. 



