366 Bibliographical Notices. 



both many interesting remarks as " occasional correction of what is 

 beUeved to be an error, or an addition of something in which our 

 native species may differ from the same kinds in other districts," 

 with the characters of several species which the author considers 

 new, either to our Fauna or entirely so to science. The lists of the 

 mammalia and birds are the most scanty, and we have little doubt 

 that further research will soon add to their enlargement. The other 

 departments are much fuller and exhibit a rich series. The follow- 

 ing observations suggested themselves while perusing the work. Of 

 the bats, six species are ermmerated, though it is supposed more 

 may exist. There will also be found additions to the Sorices and 

 Arvicolce. The Cetaceu show a good list ; thirteen species are enu- 

 merated. Speaking of the porpoise it is remarked, " I have known 

 it take a bait, though it commonly proves too strong for the line." 

 (We have more than once proposed to an angling friend to fish for 

 this animal with the rod and line.) The falling motion in this and 

 some of the others is accounted for " by the situation of the nostrils 

 on the anterior part of the top of the head, to breathe through which, 

 the body must be placed in somewhat of an erect posture, from 

 which to descend, it passes through a considerable portion of a 

 circle." 



Among the birds the Raptores are comparatively rare. The Noc- 

 tua ? funerea as British, rests on the authority of a specimen taken 

 on the Cornish coast. Of the Insessores the golden Oriole alights 

 "l)ccasionally on the fishing boats. We regret to observe that the 

 Cornish chough or red-legged crow is decreasing in numbers "owing 

 to persecution from those who supjjly specimens to naturalists." 

 The hoopoe is met with so frequently, "as to justify me in saying 

 that it is not uncommon in Cornwall." Two instances of the alpine 

 Swift having occurred are mentioned. Natatores : the little gull is 

 stated to have been taken two or three times ; and a new gull is 

 given under the title of L. Jacksonii, Couch, for the characters of 

 which see our Miscellanea, where we have printed them, as more 

 likely there to attract attention. Procellaria glacialis, Puffinus, An- 

 glorum, cinerea, pelagica, and Leachii are all given. 



Among the reptiles we have the Rana esculenta introduced, but 

 with some hesitation. There have been several notices of this spe- 

 cies occurring both in England and Scotland, but without sufficient 

 authenticity, and the subject is worthy of more strict inquiry. 



Fishes. Here we have an ample list, and in it several additions 

 and corrections to Mr. Yarrell's work, which that gentleman will 

 doubtless use in his forthcoming supplement. The Scrranus Couchii, 



