4494 THE ZooLoGist—JUNE, 1875. 
which, with the exception of two, have been reared there. A few years ago 
nine or ten of these animals were imported into America, but only two 
survived; and these two, being fortunately a male and female, have produced 
twenty-four, all of which are now alive. The soil is sandy and sterile in 
the extreme, and the animals thrive well, although their only food consists 
of the prickly leaves of a small shrub, and bitter herbs which cattle will not 
touch. They are employed to carry merchandise, and perform considerable 
journeys across a very barren country.” 
[In quoting this passage from a weekly paper, I am tempted to make 
the inquiry, whether the camel is known in a wild state in any part of the 
world? I do not mean as an absolutely aboriginal animal, but is it any- 
where—like our Highland stots at Chillingham or elsewhere—able in any 
instance, or in any country, to shift for itself and procure a living without 
the continued assistance and co-operation of man? A statement to that 
purport for some time obtained circulation and credence, but I think has 
not been repeated for many years.— Edward Newman.] 
Migration of Birds.—Referring to an article in your last on the migration 
of birds, by Mr. John Colebrooke, it may interest your readers to know that 
the destination of thousands of them is the west coast of Ireland. I have 
for many years observed that large flocks of blackbirds, thrushes, and various 
other birds, arrive in Achill about the first week in November, with the 
woodcocks, and remain until March. At this moment my plantations are 
full of them. Jt is curious to see the different kinds of birds select 
different places to lodge at night—blackbirds in one plantation, and 
thrushes in another, starlings in a third, and so on, with green linnets, 
gray ditto, chaffinches, &c. The goldencrested wren is also a winter 
visitor, and on one occasion I saw a corn crake in February. I am sorry 
to say the latter met with an accident, and was found dead. It was in very 
good condition, and I had it stuffed. We have had no frost or snow to speak 
of this year. The latter did not lie during any one day. We attribute the 
mildness of the climate to the influence of the Gulf-Stream on the coast.— 
William Pike; Glendosory, Achill Sound.— Land and Water,’ March 13, 
1875. 
[Mr. Pike would have added to the value of this interesting communication 
had he stated the supposed inducement of these bird-visits to Achill Sound. 
Is there more food or warmth than farther on the mainland of Ireland? It 
is extremely desirable that every possible light should be thrown on the 
question.— Edward Newman.] 
Spring Migration at the Land’s End District. — We have a very late 
season this year with our migratory friends; but the chiffchaff’s appearance 
coincides exactly with last year—viz., the 6th of April. I only speak from 
