1546 The Zoologist — February, 1869. 



I may remark, if the theory prove true, that it is somewhat strange 

 that neither the African cuckoo nor the American cow-bird have been 

 endowed with the like faculty. That the cow-bird does not possess it 

 the following extract from Wilson's work clearly shows : — " I had, in 

 numerous instances, found in the nests of three or four particular 

 species of birds, one egg much larger and differently marked from 

 those beside it : I had remarked that these odd-look'ing eggs were all 

 of the same colour, and marked nearly in the same manner, in what- 

 ever nest they lay, though frequently the eggs beside them were of 

 quite a different tint." Are we, then, to suppose that the birds of 

 America are less sharp-sighted than those of Europe or Africa ? 

 Buffon might have said so. With regard to the African cuckoo, I am 

 informed by Mr. Rogers, of Freshwater, whom I have questioned ou 

 the subject, that he is quite certain, from personal observation, that its 

 eggs are unlike those of the species in whose nests it lays. That the 

 cuckoo's eggs vary in colour is well known ; so do those of many other 

 species, the common house sparrow, blackbird, &c. As to the reference 

 made to the white-streaked rods set before the flocks by the patriarch 

 Jacob, was it not a special and miraculous interposition of Providence ? 

 Why, then, the comparison ? 



Redthroated Diver and Gannet. — The redthroated diver was seen 

 off Shanklin towards the end of September : weather stormy but mild ; 

 thermometer 60". The gannet appeared on our coast about the same 

 time. 



Crossbill. — October 5. Several seen about the village and in the 

 neighbourhood of Shanklin, where there are extensive fir and larch 

 plantations ; and a small flock made its appearance here later in the 

 month. They must have visited the island in considerable numbers, 

 as I heard of many being offered for sale to the birdstuffers, but mostly 

 so disfigured and mutilated by large shot as to be useless. It is sad to 

 see so beautiful and confiding a bird thus needlessly slaughtered. It 

 is difl5cult to account for these irregular migratory flights : want of food 

 cannot well be the cause, as it is obtainable at all seasons, neither can 

 it be for uidification. 



Hook. — Owing to the exceeding mildness of the winter rooks are 

 returning to their nesting-trees. On the 20lh of December I observed 

 numbers collected about the old nests in the lofty elms near Bon- 

 church, in their usual state of excitement when about to rebuild or 

 repair nests. 



Thrush. — The thrush has been in song through the winter up to 



I 



