198 



RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 



earlier arrivals than in 1892. The forwardness of the season is 

 also shown hy several of the records of insects being earlier than 

 those of 1892. The two hybernated butterflies on the list 

 (Brimstone and Painted Lady) are 19 and 25 days earlier in 

 leaving their winter quarters than in 1892, which testifies to the 

 warmth of the early spring, whilst the appearance of a viper on 

 February 7th confirms this, as do also the early dates of several 

 FloAvers. I append the following tables : — 



First Appearance of Birds in Dorset in 1893. 



* Song flrat heard, t Near Warebam. Wheatear at Swanae'e, March 13., E. R. B. 



Bloxwortii.— First rasping notes of Parus major (Grr at Tit), January 28. Chift-Chaff's 

 song, March 25. 



Blandford.— Swift last seen, August 11. A young unfledged Woodpigeon at Houghton, 

 October 25. 



CORFB Castle.— Woodcock and Fieldfare exceptionally scarce. 



WiiATcoMiiB.— Blackbird, nesting, March 7 ; first egg, March 15 ; Skylark, nesting, April 

 5 ; several second broods, October 18. Swallow last seen, October 4. Woodcock last seen, 

 March 9. 



Weymouth.— Ohifif-Cbaff last seen, October 10. Whitethroat last seen, October 13. 

 Swallow last seen, October 31. 



S^\'ANAoE.— Swallows observed on November 24 and again on Novenaber 30, these dates 

 '^eing the latest recorded of any Swallows in England. See Field, December, 1893. 



