VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OF LEICESTERSHIRE. 19 
Corvus corax, Linn. Raven. — Rare. Has not occurred for 
years. In Potter’s ‘ History of Charnwood Forest’ it is stated 
that the Raven was “ generally to be seen on Sharpley a few years 
since; still in Bradgate Park, as I learn from Mr. Bloxam.” 
Harley states that a Raven reared its young at Garendon in 1825. 
He adds that the late Mr. Adams assured him that the Raven had 
entirely deserted Bradgate Park. It was met with at Sharpley 
Rocks in October, 1848. In the ‘Midland Naturalist,’ 1882 
(p. 64) Macaulay reports one shot at Saddington many years 
since, while feeding on a portion of a sheep that had been hung 
up in a plantation, and another at Rothley, February 17th, 1881. 
This last is, however, an error; Macaulay’s informant being in- 
competent to distinguish a Raven from a Carrion Crow. The late 
Mr. Widdowson wrote me that Mr. John Brown, of Oakham, had 
one or two that were taken out of a nest in Cottesmore Park, near 
Oakham, some years ago. 
Fam. ALAUDID&. 
Alauda arvensis, Linn. Sky Lark.— Resident, commonly dis- 
tributed, and breeding in fields close to the town of Leicester. 
Packs in flocks of many hundreds in winter. The MS. Donation 
Book, Leicester Museum, records a black variety from Belgrave, 
March 81st, 1860. 
Alauda arborea, Linn. Wood Lark.—Resident, but not com- 
mon. Harley says it is seldom met with, except in the more retired 
woodlands. Around Newtown Linford, Groby, and neighbouring 
districts the Wood Lark occurs, but even in such places it is not 
abundant. It builds on the ground in corn-fields, and rough 
places near the sides of thick woods and plantations. Never con- 
gregates in the winter months, like the Sky Lark. but remains 
solitary. I have not received it myself as yet, although both 
Elkington and Turner receive specimens occasionally, agreeing, 
however, that it is much rarer than formerly. 
Order Prcartm.—Fam. CypsELip®. 
Cypselus apus (Linn.). Swift; ‘ Devilin.” — A summer 
migrant; commonly distributed. Harley says, “ With us this 
species nests in holes in old walls, and in the roofs of dwelling- 
houses and out-buildings. None of the churches in Leicester 
with which I am acquainted appear to have a colony of Swifts, 
