292 



COUNTRY RAMBLES. 



never seen it sit otherwise than along a branch and not across it, as 

 referred to by me under date of June 15th. I know Mr. Martin to be 

 a very careful and painstaking observer, and the point he raises is 

 very interesting, and should bring further information from readers 

 of these notes. 



Mr. Martin also informs me that on November 1 a Grey Phalarope 

 was picked up on the shore at Bournemouth. It had evidently been 

 unable to procure sufficient food owing to severe weather, and con- 

 sequently perished. The Phalarope is an irregular visitor to the 

 British Isles, occurring in Autumn and Winter. At this season of the 

 year the plumage is pure white underneath, and a delicate pale grey 

 on the upper parts. 



The same correspondent also tells 

 me that he has in his possession a 

 Dartford Warbler, which was shot at 

 Poole, Dorset, on October 13 last. 



13th. Very close and muggy. Lark 

 and Robin singing. The former is not 

 now in such continuous song. 



14th. Weather as yesterday. 



15th. Rain. Blustering S.E. winds. 

 Robin and Hedge Sparrow noisy, but 

 neither singing. 



16th. Fine early, rain later. Every 



LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. .,. , 



thing gets damp and wet now, and 



cannot recover during the day even when it is fine. The early mists 

 of the morning have barely cleared oft" ere the dew of evening comes 

 on and adds more moisture to the already moist surroundings. Skylark 

 still silent. 



17th. Fine morning; driving rain later, accompanied by cutting 

 North winds. 



18th. Cold N. winds, but fine. 



Flowers in bloom are now very few indeed, and our list will very 

 soon be dispensed with entirely. Those for to-day include Groundsel, 

 Shepherd's Purse, Furze (quite a nice lot of this coming into bloom), 

 Yarrow, Daisy, Long-rooted Cat's Ear, and Dandelion. 



Birds singing: Skylark (casually, not continously), and Robin. 



