THe Zootocist—Maxrcu, 1875. 4379 
well as the nails, &c., flesh-colour. In leucotism the feathers or fur become 
white, but the eyes are never red, retaining either their normal colour or 
being of some other shade, frequently blue. Unless then the colour of the 
soft parts be recorded, it is impossible to tell whether the individual is a 
true albino or only a leucous variety. I would also beg observers to note, 
if possible, the sea of any individual abnormally coloured, so that we may 
see whether or no one sex be more liable to be affected than the other. This 
we already know is sometimes the case; thus the female only of Argynnis 
Paphia is sometimes melanoid (infuscated), when it is known by the name 
of “Valezina.” In conclusion I may state that I shall be extremely 
obliged to persons possessing specimens of such varieties for the loan of 
such specimens for the purpose of description, and can promise most faith- 
fully that they shall in no way be damaged or detained longer than 
necessary. I shall also be obliged for references to figures or descriptions 
of any such varieties, particularly in the case of extra-European species.— 
W. A. Forbes ; 35, S. Castle-street, Edinburgh, January 31, 1875. 
Birds observed near Huddersfield.— 
Merlin.—December 31, 1874. A female merlin was shot at Slaithwaite, 
near Huddersfield, on this date, by a birdstuffer named Bradbury, of Cros- 
land Moor. It is a bird rarely seen in this neighbourhood. 
Dipper.—January 1, 1875. A pair of these birds were shot near Honley, 
and sent to the above-mentioned birdstuffer; the severe weather was most 
likely the cause of their appearance. L believe it is many years since this 
Species was recorded in our locality. 
Great Spotted Woodpecker.—January 28. A specimen of this bird was 
shot at Honley at this date, and sent to the same person as the ‘dippers for 
preservation. This woodpecker, although rare, has been recorded oftener 
than the green woodpecker. About the middle of J anuary four snow 
buntings were shot near Deerhill. 
Goldfinch.—January 31. Saw a flock of seven goldfinches at Gawthorpe 
Green: others have been seen and shot around Huddersfield during the 
winter; this is the case almost every season, but they have never been 
known to stay and breed here. 
Hooded Crow.—Hooded crows have been reported by several persons who 
have seen them during the very hard frost at the end of last year. They 
seldom visit this part, and probably would not have done so now had they 
not been driven by the cold from the East Riding. 
Woodcock.—Several woodcocks have been shot during this season, as is 
the case every year. One was shot quite close to the town, and within a 
stone’s throw of houses.—J. E. Palmer ; Huddersfield, January 4, 1875. 
Rare Birds in Guernsey—On the 30th of December, 1874, after a heavy 
fall of snow, I had a female bittern brought me to be stuffed, shot in the 
morning in the Marais. On the 31st a stone cwlew shot at St. Andrew’s, 
