Zoological Miscellanea and Extracts, by James Hardy. 193 



Cross-bill. — Mr T. Elliott writing from Lilburn Tower, says, 

 " I took note of the Cross-bills, in the month of September, being 

 in some of our covers ; and have seen them since, both on the 

 wing, and feeding on the Scotch Fir trees. They are about 

 seven in number." (Feb. 25, 1877). 



Hooded Crow (Corvus Comix). — The Hooded Crows during 

 the winter of 1875-6 commenced to roost in Braxton high woods, 

 in East Lothian. They are accustomed to do that in the woods 

 of the Earl of Wemyss at Gosford. 



Great Spotted "Woodpecker (Picus major). — Some years since 

 three of the Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen in Penman- 

 shiel Wood ; one was seen below the Tower farm. One of the 

 birds was shot, and is preserved. 



Early and Late Cuckoos. — In the climate around South 

 Charlton Vicarage, our friend, the Rev. W. I. Meggison, appears 

 to enjoy immunities not experienced by others during this most 

 changeable season. Of date, Feb. 26, 1877, he writes; "I have 

 thought that it may be interesting to you to know, that on Feb. 

 4th, a Cuckoo alighted on my garden wall, rested for half a 

 minute, and resumed his flight. I saw it again the next day 

 skimming along the same wall ; but could not mark it down. A 

 hybernated specimen I presume." Again of date, March 19. 

 "I have seen my friend the Cuckoo once again — last week — but 

 have not yet heard his note. Mr Calvert Chrisp, of Hawkhill, 

 picked up in November last, in his garden, two young Cuckoos 

 in a very exhausted condition. He took them into the house but 

 they scon died." 



Goatsucker. — The Goatsucker frequents Trickley wood, and 

 nests there. While hawking it gives a rapid snap, snap, with its 

 wings backwards. It is known there as the Night Jowl (i.e. Jar), 

 and Night-hawk. 



Wood-pigeon. — The Wood-pigeon is very numerous in Trick- 

 ley wood among the young plantations of young Fir, where one 

 can look into their nests, and a basketful of eggs could be col- 

 lected in a very short time. The keeper says that they feed a 

 great deal upon the large Blaeberries that abound in the woods 

 there. 



On a Hen which moults alternately black and white. — 

 " Sutton Manse, Aug. 14, 1876. About six years ago, we pro- 

 cured a setting of the eggs of Spanish fowls, from Paxton 



