THE ZooLocist—SEPTEMBER, 1875. 4625 
to reach the place long before the least appearance of daylight, and placed 
my head against the tree: all was silent within: I remained in that position 
probably twenty minutes, when suddenly I thought the great tree was giving 
way and coming down upon me. Instinctively I sprang from it; but when 
I looked up to it again, what was my astonishment to see it standing as firm 
as ever! The swallows were now pouring out in a black continuous stream. 
I ran back to my post, and listened in amazement to the noise within, 
which I could compare to nothing else than the sound of a large wheel 
revolving under a powerful stream. It was yet dusky, so that I could 
hardly see the hour on my watch; but I estimated the time which they 
took in getting out at more than thirty minutes. After their departure no 
noise was heard within, and they dispersed in every direction with the 
quickness of thought."—Edward Sweetapple. 
White Sand Martin and Blackbird.—TI recently caught a milk-white 
sand martin: it is a young bird, apparently about six weeks old. I have 
also caught a white blackbird, paradoxical as it may seem, just escaped 
from the nest.—E.. Butterfield. 
Snake-eating Suake.—I possess the skin of this species (Ophiophagus 
elaps), procured by myself in Province Wellesley, Penang, a few years ago. 
I have also shown it to Dr. Giinther, who found it to measure thirteen feet 
two inches, and informed me it was a very fine specimen. I believe I may 
at least call it one of the largest yet procured. There were two of these 
snakes seen in a field in which the sugar-canes were being cut; one escaped, 
but the other one raised itself up in a threatening attitude. It was for- 
tunately struck down by a blow from one of the coolies before any mischief 
could be done. As I gave a reward for all snakes, &c., it was brought to the 
house, but being away at the time I did not receive it till the following day, 
when, decomposition having set in, I shall not easily forget the operation of 
skinning it.—W. L. Distant ; Streatham Cottage, West Dulwich, 8.E. 
Electric Fish.—In the ‘ Lancet’ of August 7th there is an account of an 
“electric fish,” lately acquired by the Zoological Society of Regent's Park, 
and added by them to their living collection. In 1870 I had the pleasure 
of bringing an electric fish from Old Calabar, where it had been given to 
me by a trader, who had already had it in captivity on his “hulk” for some 
two months. I was informed I should have a better chance of getting this 
one to England than one freshly caught. Some account of this fish may be ° 
of interest to your readers. The temperature of the water at Old Calabar 
was 85° Fahrenheit. I brought away a plentiful supply, which was kept in 
the engine-room, My aquarium was an ordinary table-basin ; the water was 
