82 WAITE: VERTEBRATES OF THE WESTERN AINSTY. 
this is in consequence of its large drainage area in the North- 
Western fells, and at such times it overflows its banks at Thorp Arch 
and Wighill Ings, covering a considerable area. The low- ae land 
about ened pe is subject to similar inundations from the 
e country is extremely well-wooded, and without a trace of 
moorland, properly so called. 
e Mammalia are well represented, but the points which call for 
remark are of negative rather than of positive interest. The mammals 
of a district are always somewhat difficult to work out, but having 
had practical acquaintance with the ‘Western Ainsty’ for several 
years, I believe that the following list is not far from being complete. 
It is quite possible, however, that other species of Bats may turn up, 
as Iam able to add one—Natterer’s Bat—by the merest accident. 
The Whiskered Bat (Vespertilio mystactnus) I have never seen in the 
district, although it is tolerably common in some other localities. I 
have had small traps set in many places, and although I have 
caught most of the smaller mammals, I have never come across either 
recorded for Wetherby. The Badger is still found at Bramham on 
the south side of the Wharfe, but it has never, so far as I know, 
occurred within the district here treated of. There are no Deer in 
the locality now, but Fallow Deer were formerly kept at Healaugh 
Hall near Tadcaster. 
Ornithologically, the district is interesting on account of the 
number of rare birds which have occurred within its borders. Among 
these may be specially mentioned the Orphean Warbler, Golden 
Oriole, Scops Owl, Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Cream-coloured 
Courser, and Wedge-tailed Gull. One bird—the Yellowshank— 
formerly included, is now removed from the Yorkshire list. 
Attention may be called to the breeding of the Quail, and to the fact 
that formerly the Bittern occurred and the Ruff bred regularly in the 
district. The entire absence of moorland renders such birds as the 
the abundance of wood and undergrowth attracts many warblers and 
other tree-loving birds. During winter, when the low-lying land 
previously mentioned is flooded, many Ducks frequent the water, 
and, as will be seen, several of the rarer species have occasionally 
been met with. 
With regard to local names of birds, I have mentioned those 
eneral use. Many of the so-called local names are merely 
alternatives, for example, ‘ Throstle’ for Song Thrush, ‘ Titlark’ for 
Meadow Pipit. 
Naturalist, 
