The Zoologist — March, 1866. 123 



they are usually most common about Rainhara) I scarcely saw any, 

 while in 1863, at the same time of year, I met with several daily ; and 

 even allowing that I saw the same bird more than once in tlie course 

 of the day, I am afraid it goes some way to prove that they are 

 gradually becoming more rare. They used occasionally to breed in 

 the banks of a deep pit, at a little distance from the marshes; but 

 I believe the spot has been deserted by them for some years. 



Sivift. — First seen this year on the 3rd of May. This bird is not 

 common in the neighbourhood, there being no suitable breeding-place 

 for them except the church-tower; noticed them beginning to collect 

 in flocks about the 13th of July. I saw one this year as l^te as the 

 7th of September. 



Swallow. — First seen this year on the 18lh of April. 



Marlin. — First seen on the 28th of April. These birds have been 

 accustomed to breed under the eaves of the house as long ago as I can 

 remember, and probably for many years before that date. They have 

 lately evinced a great reluctance to abandon their ancient nesting- 

 place, and for the last two years, as fast as they completed their nesls, 

 the gardener, who entertains a strong aversion for them, on the ground 

 that they make a litter while feeding their young upon the path and 

 grass in front of the house, has proceeded to knock down the nests 

 with a broom or some such instrument. The martins, however, with a 

 pertinacity worthy of a better reward, have constantly rebuilt. I am 

 happy to say that I have this autumn obtained a promise that they 

 shall not be interfered with in future. 



Sand Martin. — An uncommon species in the locality. I have only 

 seen a few this year in the autumn. 



Bi/ig Dove. — Common in the woods and on cultivated land; 

 occasionally to be seen in the plantations near the marshes. In May, 

 1863, I took a ring dove's nest out of a hollow cherry-tree in an 

 orchard within a few hundred yards of the marshes. 



Slock Dove. — Early in July of this year 1 constantly saw small 

 flocks of these pigeons on the marshes, but, owing to their exceeding 

 wariness, could never get within range ; at length one day I stalked 

 some and killed three, one of them a young bird about two-thirds 

 grown. This is, 1 think, presumptive that the stock dove still breeds 

 in the Kentish woods, where, although they were formerly to be con- 

 stantly found in the autumn, they have, within the last twenty years, 

 becomedecidedly uncommon. 



Ringed Plover. — First seen, on its move southward, on the 19th of 



