Miscellanea Zoologica, by R. C. Embleton. 91 



two, were of a nearly uniform pale yellow ; and the other, a 

 pale green, edged with orange. They appeared to be very 

 lively in their habits ; and I suppose, they found sufficient 

 food for their carnivorous appetites, amongst the Fuci and 

 Zoophytes which were in the bowl. It has been previously 

 observed, that some of the Gasteropods have the power of 

 forming a mucus thread, by which they are capable of sus- 

 pending themselves in the water ; but as far as I can learn 

 from Mr. Alder, and my own researches into the subject, such 

 has never been observed in regard to the Cyprsea Europsea ; 

 to this point alone I wish to refer. Sometimes, I would find one 

 or more, apparently enjoying themselves, floating upon the 

 surface of the water, at another, one or more would be sus- 

 pended two or three inches deep, the mucus thread being 

 attached to the side of the vessel, and more than once, 1 have 

 seen them dart with unerring certainty, from their point of 

 adhesion, to one of the stones at the bottom of the bowl ; and 

 the rapidity with which this was effected, is only equalled, by 

 the rapid suspension of a spider, when detached from the hand, 

 or any other body it may be upon, 'fhe ladder thus formed, 

 continued intact on one occasion, for two days, during which 

 period, the animal ascended and descended, more than once, 

 along its frail structure ; this, I believe, has not been hitherto 

 noticed. I trust I may be fortunate enough during the present 

 year to obtain a sufficient number of specimens, to confirm 

 these passing remarks, and make them more worthy of a 

 place amongst our transactions. 

 Beadnel,May 27th, 1858. 



Totanus Glottis. Cinereous Qodwit. 



Two specimens, male and female, in mature plumage, of 

 this rather rare visitant were shot on the banks of the Aln, on 

 the 27th of August last. They are now in the collection of 

 Mr. Henry Gibb, jun., of Alnwick. 



Acherontia Atropos— Death's Head 3Ioth. 



A beautiful female specimen of this moth was sent to me on 

 the 15th of July last. It was captured about two miles from 

 land, on the sail of one of our fishing cobles. Since then, five 

 caterpillars of the same moth, have been sent ; one of which 

 has passed into the chrysalis state 



Locusta Migratoria. From the number of specimens for- 

 warded to me, and observed by myself this season, I am inclined 

 to believe it is about to become a permanent resident with us. 



Cataractes Skua, Cataractes Pomarinus, Cataractes 

 Richardsonii. Specimens of each of these species have been 



