196 RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 



Baillon's Crake. Mr. Andrews sends me the following note : — 

 *' A rare bird Baillon's Crake — which Mr. Mansel Pleydell writing 

 to the Dorset County Chronicle states is the first properly authen- 

 ticated specimen found in this County — was captured in the stable 

 of a builder's (Mr. Hardy's) yard at Swanage on June 1st, 1893. 

 The bird was identified by Mr. Hart, of Christchurch, as follows : — 

 " Distinguished from the Little Cralie by its smaller sizes (scarcely 

 Tin. in length), its olive legs and feet and the white outer web of 

 the first primary." This bird is very nicely set up by Mr. Hart, 

 and Mr. Andrews will be pleased to show it to anyone interested. 



Merlin (J. C. M. P.). A Merlin seen at Yerwood December 26th. 



Siskin (J. C. M. P.). One washing itself in a pool on the 

 roadside near Crawford Bridge. 



Black Guillemot (J. C. M. P.). One picked np alive near 

 the Industrial School, Milborne St. Andrew, on December 13th, 

 driven inland about 16 miles by the storm of the previous day. 



Golden Oriole (E. R. B.). One heard singing and seen in 

 the garden at Langton Matravers Rectory, near Swanage, by the 

 Rev. L. Lester May 9th. 



Hoopoe (E. R. B,). One seen many times at Corfe Castle 

 Rectory on April 7th. 



"VVoodchat Shrike (E. R. B.). One seen at Corfe Castle by 

 Rev. Owen L. Mansel on April 21st. 



Short-eared Owl (E. R. B.). Shot near Lulworth Castle 

 September 18th, a remarkably early date, 



Iceland Gull (Lams icelandicus) (E. R. B.). Female, in 

 winter plumage, shot in Poole Harbour by Mr. Gerald R. Peck, 

 of Min^erne Grange, Parkstone, on February 6th, 1893. Ifot 

 previously recorded from Dorset. 



Black-winged Stilt (Hiinantojms cayididus) (E. R. B.). Charles 

 Orchard, a well-known and experienced farmer of Warehani, 

 declares that he observed and watched a large flock of this species 

 in Worbarrow Bay, Purbeck, in the summer of 1893. 



Variety of Chaffinch (T. R. A.). A nearly white female 

 Chaffinch often seen near Sherborne. 



