26 Field Notes. 



We are therefore justitied in assuming' that the internal 

 structure, which is usualty the last to be affected by evolu- 

 tionary change, will, in the case of H. syriaca, show the dart 

 sacs of the reproductive system to be in a more primitive and 

 functional condition than in the later developed H. cartusiana, 

 and that possibly traces may be still perceptible of the initiation 

 of the transformation of the crystalline love-dart and its acces- 

 sories into the sarcobelum or muscular excitatory organ, as 

 now possessed by H. cantiana, and which, in H. cartusiana, 

 are in an interesting intermediate stage leading up to the de- 

 A'elopment of a similar organ. 



The careful investigation and exposition of the aiiatomical 

 structure of H. syriaca would be of considerable interest, and 

 would probably confirm the soundness of this phylogenetic 

 study and increase the disproofs of those ancient beliefs still 

 held by some scientists as to the location of the chief evolu- 

 tionary area in Central Asia or in other weak and unlikely 

 regions. 



: o : 



Tree Sparrow near Sheffield. — Although I have 

 always assumed the presence of the Tree Sparrow in my 

 garden, it was not until yesterday that I had the pleasure of 

 handling two specimens netted the previous night in the 

 shrubberies. On close acquaintance the small size, chesnut 

 head and black patches behind the eyes rendered identitication 

 a simple matter, especially when comparing them with a male 

 House Sparrow captured at the same time in the ivy on the 

 house. The fact of the plumage of the male and female being 

 practically identical in this species is both curious and in- 

 teresting. To anyone not acquainted with this peculiarity 

 they would all appear to be cocks. — W. A. Durnford, Elsecar, 

 Nov. 2oth, 1917. 



A Large Flock of Magpies. — On November i6th, a friend 

 of mine, walking along the lane leading from Adel to Horsforth, 

 had his attention attracted b}- a considerable amount of 

 chattering, and was surprised to see a large flock of Magpies 

 congregated together in a large thorn tree ; upon his approach 

 they flew away in twos and threes, so that he was able to count 

 them accurately — there were thirty-two. It is recognised that 

 the near neighbourhoods of some of our larger Yorkshire 

 towns have provided secure breeding places for Magpies, where 

 they are not disturbed by the game-keepers' traps or guns. 

 I think it has not been given to many to see so large a flock of 

 this handsome, but mischievous, bird. On the upland in my 

 own neighbourhood Magpies have increased considerably 

 during the last two or three years, no doubt as a result of the 

 wretched war. — R. Fortune. 



Naturalise, 



