2708 The Zoologist— August, 1871. 



10. Bats abroad at uight. 



17. Observed grubs of Agrotis Segetum feeding on the outside 

 of turnips : they were also bored internally by the small white grubs 

 of the root-eating two-winged fly [Anihomyia Radicum). 



21. Heard fieldfares. 



24. Aphides yet numerous on curled greens, cabbages and other 

 plants. 



26. (Humble-bees last seen, on yellow jasmine. — P. /.) 



November. 

 1. Heard bramblings, 



4. Saw small flocks of redwings and fieldfares. 



5. (Noticed large flocks of fieldfares coming from the north. — 

 P.I.) 



10. Saw creeper. 



15. Heard bullfinches and bramblings. 



18. Many turnips and potatoes yet out. 

 21. Heard bullfinch and lesser redjJoU. 



24. When sparrows assemble in the bushes and trees to roost 

 there is generally a great deal of chirping and quarrelling. Those 

 that come early get into the snuggest quarters : when the belated 

 stragglers arrive they find all the horizontal branches and warm 

 shielded corners tenanted : they then begin to abuse and disturb 

 the settlement, and amid much loud chirping and commotion 

 endeavour to eject the peaceable and orderly citizens from their 

 comfortable places. Some of the males commence a regular fight; 

 others try to wedge themselves into places where they are not 

 wanted, whilst many who have been aroused hop and hover about 

 in evident disgust at such unmannerly proceedings. At length, 

 after a world of quarrelling and buff"eting, darkness draws on, the 

 noise subsides, and only an occasional peevish chirp is heard from 

 those on the coldest perches. 



December. 

 7. Heard bramblings. 

 17. Several tree sparrows shot here. This evening there was an 

 auroral light in the north : streamers occasionally shot upwards : 

 the fields were illuminated as if by moonlight. The sky in the 

 south was very dark, a circumstance which exhibited the aurora to 

 greater advantage. 



30. Saw a small flock of bramblings. 



