THE MAGAZINE 
OF 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
SEPTEMBER, 1830. 
Art. I. Remarks on the Natural History of the Parish of Slapton, 
near Dartmouth, Devonshire. By H. V. D. 
Sir, 
Ewcouracep by your ready insertion (Vol. II. p. 143.) of 
my communication on the natural history of that portion of 
the genus ScOlopax that fell under my own immediate observ- 
aL I am. induced to offer, for the use of your valuable 
Magazine, such remarks on the natural history of the parish 
of Slapton, in Devon, as may at various periods present 
themselves to my notice. My former communication was 
made to you from the county of Norfolk, where I had for 
many years attentively observed and registered the habits and 
migrations of our winter visitants of that natural family. The 
par rish i in which I now reside will, I expect, afford me oppor- 
tunities to fill up the chasms, and supply the information de- 
ficient in my former letter, with regard to the movements of 
this tribe, interesting alike to the “naturalist, the sportsman, 
and the epicure. 
The parish of Slapton is situated in that part of Devon 
denominated the South Hams, remarkable for the tempera- 
ture of its climate, the fertility of its soil, and the salubrity of 
its atmosphere. ‘The district of the South Hams is bounded 
on the north by the mountainous tract of Dartmoor, on the 
east and south by the English Channel, and on the west by 
the river Tamar. ‘The parish itself is fomnued on the north 
by that of Blackawton, on the east by Start Bay, on the south 
by Stokenham, which parish, with that of East Alvington, 
forms its western boundary. It isin latitude 50° 15’ south, i in 
longitude 3° 30’ west, six miles distant from the port of 
Kingsbridge, and Shout seven from that of Dartmouth. ‘Tot- 
ness is the nearest place through which a London coach passes, 
which is about thirteen miles Shenne: It is, therefore, seldom 
Vor. Ll. —No. 15. DD 
