Mr R. Embleton on Miscellanea Zoologica, &c. 59 



Orobanche minor. Lesser Broom Rape. From Mr 

 John Chrisp, of Biiston Barns, I received a number of beau- 

 tiful specimens of this addition to our local Flora. He found 

 it plentifully in a field between Lesbury and Warkworth. 



AsPiDiuM LoNCHiTis. Rough Alpine Shield Fern. By 

 the side of an embankment in the North Eastern Railway, I 

 gathered this rare and Alpine species, both in its immature 

 and perfect states. Inhabiting the highest parts of our Scotch 

 and Welsh mountains, it is difficult to account for its present 

 habitat. To describe its exact locality, would only ensure 

 its speedy destruction. 



The past summer, has been in many respects, a peculiar 

 one. In this immediate locality, our summer visitants were 

 much later in making their appearance, and in very much 

 smaller numbers. The Swallows were ten days later than I 

 have noticed for the last twenty years, and in number scarcely 

 one half of last year. The Sand Martens, which breed in 

 considerable numbers along our banks, were limited this 

 year to three or four pair ; and not a single Swift was ob- 

 served. From the numerous observations made in all parts 

 of the kingdom, this seems to have been general. The almost 

 total absence of Butterflies, has been very remarkable ; not 

 above six specimens of the Lesser White Butterfly has been 

 observed in my garden during the whole summer, and about 

 the same number of the common Nettle Butterfly, and not a 

 single specimen of the Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small 

 Copper, or Large Cabbage, has been taken. This seems to 

 have been so generally, if I may judge from my own observ- 

 ations, made in different parts. In a tour through the Lake 

 District, I did not see above one or two species, although 

 during all the time there was scarcely ever a cloud to be seen. 

 In a visit to Buxton and other parts of Derbyshire, the same 

 occurred ; and during a visit of some days, amidst the beau- 

 tiful scenery of Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire, not more than 

 three specimens were seen ; and the same remark may be ap- 

 plied to Buckingham and Hertfordshires. Very few Wasps, 

 Humble Bees, or Moths have been observed. A few speci- 

 mens of the Sand Grouse, still linger in this neighbourhood ; 

 whether they will survive the winter, or rather be allowed to 

 do so, remains to be seen. Woodcocks are very early this 

 year. 



Beadnell, October, 186-3. 



