RKPOR'r (JF FIELIJ MKETIN(;S. 457 



England. Then follow the Coot, the Pomarine Skua, Bewick's 

 Swan, the White-fronted and Grey-lag Goose, and the Teal. 



The draining of the Carr was begnn in 1856, and finished 

 three years later. There are upwards of nine miles of drains, 

 the cost of which, together with compensation paid on the re- 

 moval of Kirkley Mill on the river Pont, averaged jQ\() per acre. 

 The land was then ploughed up by teams of oxen brought 

 from Norfolk, the boggy nature of the soil being unsuitable 

 for horses. Strips, principally of Scotch firs, were planted, 

 which give the visitor of to-day a correct idea of their growth 

 during a period of forty-six years. 



I will now give you a short account of the day's proceed- 

 ings of the meeting. 



About twenty members assembled at one o'clock at the 

 Museum, and after a pleasant drive by way of Coxlodge and 

 Fawdon, arrived at Dinnington. The party proceeded on foot 

 to the Carr, where they were met by the respective keepers 

 of Mr. C. L. Bell and Mr. L. E. Smith, by whose courtesy we 

 were permitted to visit the estates. 



The most interesting part of the Carr to the naturalist is the 

 site of what was known as the Black Pool. It is principally 

 covered with heather and coarse grasses, and becomes 

 partially covered with water in rainy seasons. 



Here an interesting incident happened. A fox, who had 

 evidently been asleep, jumped up in the midst of our party 

 and galloped away towards Blagdon, accompanied by a very 

 creditable chorus of who-whoops, tally-hos, and other hunting 

 noises. 



Several pairs of Snipe, evidently breeding, were here noticed, 

 and in one instance that curious bleating or humming sound 

 which has led to so much controversy amongst naturalists 

 was heard as one of these birds was observed descending. 

 A Long-eared Owl was also noticed, being noisily pursued 

 by a number of small birds. Hereabout shells of the fresh 

 water mussel were picked up by one of our party. The Marsh 

 Marigold, amongst other flowers, was found growing in pro- 

 fusion on the sloping banks of the principal cuts or drains. 



