4672 Tue ZooLocist—NovEMEER, 1875. 
of Taunton, he called my attention to a lovely pure white variety 
of this species, which I think had red eyes; but notwithstanding 
the purity of its colour, the spots on the breast could be dis- 
tinctly traced, in certain lights having almost the appearance of 
being indented. 
29th. Saw the buff missel thrush again, and this time it must 
needs be chased and persecuted by a rascally crow. It was 
extremely wild, but could be detected at an amazing distance 
either flying or on the ground, and was also a most conspicuous 
object when perched on a tree or bush. 
30th. A pair of martins are still feeding their young in the nest 
under the eaves of a cottage close by our house. The barn owl 
and green woodpecker seem to be very plentiful in this neigh- 
bourhood. 
JoHN GATCOMBE. 
Moorland, near Bridgwater. 
Additional Particulars of Montagu’s Harrier Breeding in the 
Isle of Wight. By Captain Henry HapbFiecp. 
I HAVE been informed by Mr. Howard Saunders, the well-known 
ornithologist, that in strolling on the Downs, on the 30th of May, 
on the look-out for a nest of the Dartford warbler,—a pretty 
common species with us,—he put up a harrier from a clump of 
furze, and the nest was found containing three eggs, which he has 
reason to believe are those of Montagu’s harrier, and the sight of 
the parent bird strengthens him in that opinion. I did not see the 
nest till some days later, when I accompanied him and Mr. E. 
Hargitt, a zealous naturalist, to the spot. Cautiously approaching 
we got within a few yards before the bird rose, with rapid and 
buoyant flight, sweeping round at no great distance, and keeping 
within view for some minutes, but not returning to the nest during 
the hour or more we were on the watch. 
On the 19th of June the harrier was found on the nest, though 
two of the three eggs had been taken (the fourth egg was not laid 
till the 5th of June). When the nest was again inspected there 
was but one egg, the shell of the other being picked up alongside, 
leading Mr. Saunders to believe it had been preyed on; but ona 
subsequent visit a nestling was found with the other egg, having 
