2806 The Zoologist— October, 1871. 



not possible they were lost during tlie late prevailing fogs, and were thus 

 drifted across the German Ocean ? — Thos. W. Abbott, in the ' Field ' of 

 September IQth. 



Great Black Woodpecker. — As regards the great black woodpecker which 

 was to be seen in the flesh at Mr. Ward's shop last November, I did not 

 think it worth enumerating this instance in mj list in Sharpe and Dresser's 

 ' Birds of Europe,' as it was undoubtedly bought in LeadenhaU Market. 

 I heard aU about it at the time, and there was never any suggestion that it 

 was British until some anonymous correspondent wrote to the 'Field' 

 about it. Nobody ever thought or supposed tliat it was kiUed in this 

 country. Mr. Sharpe saw it in the flesh, and if he had chosen could have 

 alluded to it himself. I should not have troubled you with these remarks, 

 but a friend has written to me to ask if I do not think that it wants 

 investigation. I have known about four specimens of the great black wood- 

 pecker in Leadenliall during my thi'ee years experience of that market. — 

 J. H. Gurneijjjun. 



White ttouse Illartiu. — A house martin perfectly white has been fre- 

 quenting this neighbourhood lately : it was seen last in my garden on the 

 morning of Wednesday last, the Gth instant. I shall be glad to know if any 

 similar- specimen has been seen elsewhere. — W. H. Walsh; Alrewas Vicarage, 

 near Lichfield, September 8, 1871. 



RufF and llceve in Middlesex. — I shot a fine young ruff (not reeve) in 

 the county of Middlesex on Friday last : Burton has it to stuff. I killed a 

 reeve two years back at the same place, and, curiously enough, on the same 

 day — the 8th of September. — Robert H. Mit/ord ; Haverstock Place, 

 Hampstead. 



. large Flock of Golden PIoTcr at Bedford. — About a fortnight ago a 

 large flock of golden plover — recognized as such by their note — passed over 

 the town of Bedford, probably attracted by the lights. Their numbers 

 must have been very great, as in the morning the streets and paths were 

 marked by their excrement. — \V. J. Chalk ; September 15, 1871. 



Keutisli PIoTcr near Pcuiance. — This small plover, a bird of the year, 

 was shot a few days since, by Mr. Vingoe's son, in our bay. — Edward 

 Hearle liodd ; Penzance, August 26, 1871. 



The Wader at Whithy. — I think, from the description, that the wader 

 killed near Whitby may be the Keptuschka lapwing or social plover 

 (Vanellus gregarius, Pallas), but I cannot speak positively without a skin 

 for comparison. My father suggests to me that it is a ruff, and, on com- 

 paring the description, that also appears very possible. — J. H. Gurney, jun. ; 

 September 1, 1871. 



[In such an instance of difficulty it would be desirable to show the bird 

 to an ornithologist. If Mr. Simpson would kindly send the specimen to 

 London it would be named without difficulty. — E. Newman.] 



