134 



ROOKS PLANTING ACORNS. 



the numerous rabbits infesting the locality. Once now and then, 

 however, a plant does escape, being encouraged, perhaps, by an 

 isolated spot of more fertile soil, or the generous protection of a 

 furze or bramble bush, and grows up to a tree. These, however, 

 are not numerous. Only one such exists in the district I have 

 mentioned, and it has also from time immemorial gone by the name 

 of " the " Oak Tree. This tree is now in a state of rapid decay 

 owing to the gradual encroachment of the bog close by, which has 

 turned its site into a swamp. The log also has always been called 

 " The Oak Tree Bog," but has lately, among ourselves, obtained the 

 name of the Paludwn bog, owing to its having been the spot where 

 an exceedingly rare lepidopterous insect, Pteropliems paludum, was 

 rediscovered a few years ago by one of my sons. (See Proc. 

 D.KH. & A.F. Club, vol. viii., p. 57.) 



I have above observed that I have never seen Rooks actually 

 burying acorns in this locality, but I have constantly seen them 

 flying to fro there, both in Autumn and during winter, and I feel 

 no doubt whatever but that they are the agents in the planting of 

 those acorns which spring up thus yearly so far from the trees 

 bearing them. It is too far for the agency of Squirrels, and still 

 more so for that of Mice. Doubtless the Rooks do find and regale 

 themselves in winter time, when hard pressed by frost binding up 

 the fallows, on the acorns buried in the more sandy soil protected 

 from freezing by the furze and short heather ; but I imagine that 

 nearly always the larger proportion escape, and if the soil were 

 suitable and protection given from cattle and rabbits, oak groves 

 would be found in after years just as our friend, the Rev. Thos. 

 Robinson, found one growing up 200 years ago in Cumberland. 



