9038 Birds. 
by a compact nesting-place made of wicks. The distance of the 
store from the place where they were planted was forty-nine yards. 
(See page 113.) 
Hedgehogs and Arsenic, 1 was never partial to trying experiments 
on animals, but I have frequently known arsenic to be given to hedge- 
hogs, without any serious results. (See page 221.) 
Robin. In 1863 a robin built a nest among currant-bushes: when 
the first brood flew, the old birds cleaned out and repaired the nest, 
and reared another brood in it. (See page 225). 
Mobbing an Owl. If an owl chance to stray away in the day-time, 
he is sure to be the centre of attraction to all the little birds about, 
who buffet him well, peck at him, and give him what my countymen 
call “a good calling.” I have twice been witness of an owl-mobbing. 
French sportsmen (?) often get a tame or stuffed owl, which they put up 
in some conspicuous place, as a lure for the small birds, who are thus 
drawn within gun-reach of the hidden sportsmen. (See page 227.) 
Carrion Crow. This bird is becoming very scarce in some 
localities. The farmers’ wives on the Yorkshire Wolds and Moors 
are well acquainted with the fact of the carrion crow being a wader 
for ducks’ eggs. The rook will also destroy the eggs of pheasants 
and partridges. 
Eggs of the Tree Sparrow. I have never been able to see any 
great variety, either in the shape or colour, of the tree sparrow’s eggs ; 
but those of the house sparrow are subject to great variety, both in 
shape and colour. The tree sparrow is quite common here (Linton- 
on-Ouse), and should any readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ want specimens 
I will send them some for the postage. 
JoHn Ranson. 
York, March, 1864. 
Correction of an Error.—There is an important error in the bottom line of page 
8964 of the ‘ Zuologist,’ which I will thank you to correct. We are all of us liable 
to mistakes, and I may have made such a stupid blunder as to write “ Falco islandi- 
cus” for “ Falco candicans.” The latter name stands, however, in the rough copy of 
my note (now before me), and so it should do in the place I have quoted from the 
‘Zoologist. If 1 was the culprit, I can only say I am very sorry for it.—Alfred 
Newton ; Magdalene College, Cambridge, March 5, 1864. 
Rare Birds near York.—The following rare birds have occurred near here and 
have been sent to me for preservation:—Three bitterns: one shot at Wassent, near 
Borsdey ; another at Londesborough, near Market Weighton; and a third at or near 
Church Lintern. A goshawk, shot at Oswald Birth. Two goosanders: one at Suttou- 
on-Derwent; the other at Newby Park, or near there; both fine old males. A female 
specimen of Barrow’s goldeneye, shot at the mouth of the Derwent: I am not aware 
