Tur ZooLocist—OcrToBeErR, 1876. 5123 
comes it that a bird endowed with such faculties does not throw out the 
egg of the cowbird, and save time and labour in the construction of a second 
or a third nest? I had no opportunity when in Canada of observing the 
breeding habits of the cowbird, not having met with it there or in New- 
foundland during the summer, though the most abundant of all species in 
the autumn ; but the spring migration, according to Wilson, extends very 
far north. Though it is said to derive its name from its note of “ cow-cow,” 
I am inclined to think that its habit of feeding among cattle is more likely 
to have given rise to it—H. Hadjield. 
Susceptibility of the Swift—The boisterous weather of yesterday, accom- 
panied by much cold and rain, appears to have had an effect on the swifts 
at Dover. Many have flown into houses and been captured by hand this 
day (September Ist), as I am informed by Mr. Gray, the taxidermist, to 
whom some were brought, and at whose house I saw two. I do not think 
this is unusual with swifts. It is well known they are very susceptible of 
cold,—more so than the swallow,—as is proved by their coming later and 
leaving earlier. Mr. Gray mentioned to me, as a remarkable instance of 
the feebleness to which they can occasionally be reduced, that once the 
walls of St. Mary’s Church, in Dover, were covered with them, hanging in 
great clusters, seemingly incapable of exerting their powers of flight —J. H. 
Gurney, jun.; Lord Warden Hotel, Dover, September 1, 1876. 
Nigration of Swifts—Though I have not noticed any migration of these 
birds this year on or about the 1st of July, and therefore cannot throw any 
light on Mr. Gurney’s note on this.subject in the ‘ Zoologist’ for August 
(S. S. 5045), I find by my note-book for 1873 that I was at Spurn on the 
7th of July, and have the following entry, “ Saw a quantity of swifts going 
southward.”—#’. Boyes. 
Migration of Swifts.—Large numbers of these birds passed over Bedford 
on the morning of the 8th of August, and I continued observing small 
quantities till the 11th, when they all disappeared from this locality. On 
the 24th I observed a swift flying about near the little village of Fiskerton, 
upon the Trent. I see in the ‘Field’ that the editor observed swifts at 
Bognor upon the 4th of this month (September); and a friend informs me 
that he saw one near Stony Stratford upon the 8th.—C. Matthew Prior. 
Black Grouse in the New Forest.—Having read the extracts from Mr. 
Lord’s ‘ Naturalist in British Columbia,’ with regard to the dancing per- 
formances of certain grouse in the breeding season, and Mr. Mathew’s 
comment upon the same, in the September number of the ‘ Zoologist’(S. S. 
5072-73), I am induced to give a short account of what has fallen under my 
own observation respecting the amatory fervour with which black game will 
sometimes fight as wellas dance. ‘The species is undoubtedly much scarcer 
than formerly in this neighbourhood, and no one can but regret its steady 
decrease, yet it is pleasant to know that even now it does exist in this part 
