366 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
p. 1910), but the sticks and other materials used were constantly stolen by 
their companions, and they gave up the attempt.— Eb. ] 
The Tree Sparrow in Skye.—After some years of unremitting search 
for the Tree Sparrow in Skye, I have at last discovered its presence at 
Uig, in the north of the island. Mr. J. J. Dalgleish was the first to 
note its appearance on the west coast at Ardnanmurchan, and since then 
the presence of the species in St. Kilda and Eigg has been vouched for by 
Mr. Charles Dixon, Mr. W. Evans, and myself; while Mr. Harvie Brown 
has also vigilantly followed the extension of its breeding range to a third 
insular locality, the fourth and last being the present Skye record. I 
visited the Higg colony of Tree Sparrows again this year, and observed 
newly fledged young on July 15th, 1886. When Mr. Evans paid a flying 
visit to Kigg he overlooked the House Sparrow’s presence in the island, 
not from want of energy, but because while the Kigg Tree Sparrow frequents 
the old walls about a farm-stead, the House Sparrow in this locality, 
perversely enough confines, itself entirely to a sea cliff, where it rests in the 
ivy, about a hundred and fifty yards from the Tree Sparrow's haunts. 
When visiting different parts of Skye this summer, I was much struck by 
the increase in House Sparrows, which are becoming very numerous. 
Possibly there are other colonies of the Tree Sparrow in the island, which 
will be discovered later on.—H. A. Macruerson (3, Kensington Gardens 
Square, W.) 
Fearlessness of the Spotted Flycatcher.—As an instance of the 
fearlessness and confidence displayed by the Spotted Flycatcher (M. grisola) 
in the choice of public situation for the purpose of nidification, I may 
adduce the following as worthy of notice. This season a pair have built 
their nest in the most frequented situation at the Spa, Scarborough. The 
site chosen is upon a projection between the top of the door and the fan- 
light of the south-east tower of the building, and directly opposite the 
orchestra, the gilded finial of which forms a convenient post, whence they 
watch. for their prey or perch a few moments before taking it to their 
young, when they are obliged to pass within a few feet of numbers of 
persons ; occasionally they alight on the back of one of the chairs, during 
the performance of the band, without showing the least alarm. The birds 
attract no attention, and the nest has only been noticed by one or two of 
the attendants who have orders to protect it.—R., P. Harper (2, Royal 
Crescent, Scarborough). 
Blackcap and Grasshopper Warbler in Co. Mayo.—The first authentic 
instance of the Blackcap breeding in this western district has been dis- 
covered this summer by Miss Knox Gore, who on the 14th of May 
recognised the fine song of the male bird in her brother’s demesne of 
Belleek Manor, and a few days afterwards, in a thicket close by, found the 
