276 CLIMATOLOGIOAL KEPOBT, 1868, 



on the moors. Wasps have suffered from the season. They 

 were very rarely seen this month, and not a nest is to be found 

 though queens were abundant in May and June. 



December. — Thrushes and starlings were in song on the 18th. 



Wylam. — -Game was not abundant, excepting partridges and 

 pheasants. Grouse, from the effects of the disease so severely 

 felt on the Northumberland moors last year, were very scarce, 

 and seldom sold for less than 7/ a brace. Black grouse, though 

 not so scarce, the same price. Partridges 3/ to 4/; and phea- 

 sants about 6/ a brace. Woodcocks were veiy scarce, and sold 

 for 7/ to 10/ a brace. 



Horsley, near Wylam. — October. — A very large flock of wild 

 geese passed over this neighbourhood on the 11th. 



Otterburn. — February. — The thrush began to sing on the 

 17th. 



North Shields. — Hive bees were seen on March the 29th ; 

 humble bees on March the 31st. Beetle (Geotropes) on March 

 the 24th. Small white butterfly on April the 10th. 



Whitley. — Jidy. — The humming-bird hawk-moth was seen on 

 the 20th. 



August. — Two wild swans were seen flying about the Tyne, 

 and one was shot by Robert Cooper at Redheugh. 



Acklam, near Middlesbro'. — October. — A woodcock was shot 

 on the 29th. 



Seaham. — The season of 1868 has been a very good one for 

 hive bees notwithstanding its dryness. Wasps have been rarely 

 seen, although further inland they have been numerous. Mr. 

 Draper thinks that they do not like this part of the coast. 



With regard to the hive bees Mr. Draper has often remarked, 

 that they partly stop work if the wind changes to the east. 



