258 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
in the neighbourhood of Lilford; it appears to be less abundant now, but 
is by no means extremely rare in our old woods.—LitForp (June 8, 1885). 
Dormouse in Wales.—As Mr. Rope, in his article on the range of the 
Dormouse, has left out this county (Breconshire) and also the adjoining 
couuty (Carmarthenshire), it may interest him and others to learn that it 
certainly occurs in both these counties, though very sparingly, and it is, 
I think, commoner in Carmarthenshire than Breconshire. I have heard 
of and seen four or five since I have resided here, now nearly twenty years, 
and a connection of mine living in Carmarthenshire—an excellent field 
naturalist—writes me that Dormice are not very common there. I have 
received very much the same information concerning Cardiganshire, my 
informant adding that he has himself seen this little animal there several 
times. The Welsh for Dormouse is pathew, and there is an old Welsh 
saying commonly used in Cardiganshire, Can dewed a pathew,—i.e., “ As 
fat as a dormouse,”—which shows conclusively that it is well known in 
South Wales.—E. Campripéu Puriutes (The Elms, Brecon). 
BIRDS. 
Ornithological Notes from the Isle of Wight.—Though the spring 
was cold and backward, the Song Thrush had well-fledged young by 
March 38rd, and a Blackbird’s nest with eggs was found early in the 
mouth; the latter part of February had been mild, the thermometer up to 
50°. On March Sth Starlings were seen about the eaves, inspecting their 
nesting-holes; whether they remain paired from one season to another 
I am not prepared to say, but the same holes are frequented year after year; 
they had young by the second week in May, egg-shells being found on the 
lawn. Though one Swallow was seen on April 8th, it was not till the 
middle of the month that I heard of others being observed; nor were 
Martins seen till the 20th. The Nightingale first heard at St. Lawrence— 
its favourite resort—on April 10th; a showery day, though cold, thermo- 
meter 46° only. Cuckoo not heard till late in the month. On May 14th 
young Rooks were observed perching on and about the nests in the lofty 
elms at Bonchurch, occasionally taking short flights and clamouring to be 
fed. It is amusing to see them swaying to and fro on the branches as if 
about to fall, though they seldom do. A Golden Eagle was shot near Ryde 
some weeks since; it had previously been observed in the neighbourhood of 
Cowes. An intelligent young man, who takes great interest in Ornithology, 
having examined the bird, is of opinion that it had been in confinement, of 
which there can be little doubt, the tail-feathers being worn and ragged. 
I had some doubt as to the Eagle shot near Carisbrook—and recorded in 
‘The Zoologist’ at the time—being a wild one, as it had lost a toe, but the 
plumage was perfect—Hnry Hapriecp (High Cliff, Ventnor). 
