596 



rasite of the grouse, lays its eggs in grouse droppings and its mag- 

 gots live on and in these dejecta. 



The Introduction of the American Robin into England. 



Nature,, 81, 2078. Aug. 26. 1909, 264. London. 



An attempt is being made near Guildford, Surrey, to acclimatize 

 the American robin (Merula migratorid]. Seventeen birds (nine 

 cocks and eight hens) were imported last spring, and after being 

 kept for a short time in a large open-air aviary, all, with the ex- 

 ception of two or three pairs, were liberated about the middle of 

 June. They mated immediately, and began nest-building almost 

 at once. The nests coarse bulky constructions were placed in 

 trees, with little attempt to concealment, and clutches of from four 

 to five blue eggs, about the size of those of the thrush, were laid. 

 Old and young, the birds now number between forty and fifty. 

 Fears are entertained that at the approach of winter these robins, 

 impelled by their strong migratory instinct, will leave England and 

 become dispersed; but those who know the nature of birds are 

 confident that by feeding them abundantly as cold weather draws 

 on they can be induced to remain as permanent residents. 



GEORGE MALCOM & AYMER MAXWELL. Grouse and Grouse 



Moors. Illustrated by Charles Whymper. Pp. VIII 286 London; 

 A. & C. Black, 1910. 



Protected Area for Birds in Sussex. Abs. Nature N 2134. 

 September 21, 1910, p. 371. 



In the September number of the Selborne Magazine Mr. E. G. 

 Woodd states that an additional protected area for birds has 

 recently been [established by the County Council in east Sussex. 

 The area extends from Eastbourne to Hastings and inland so far 

 as Lewes, and within these limits such birds and their eggs as 

 specially need protection have been scheduled. 



