16 EARLY ANNALS OF ORNITHOLOGY 
by the exertions of an antiquary at a Roman villa in 
Gloucestershire. * 
From the settlement of Calleva, we are in possession 
of sufficiently identified remains of the domestic fowl, the 
Duck, Goose, Swan, Crane, Raven and Crow.t The Thrush, 
Woodcock, Plover, Teal, Pheasant and Jay are also to be 
included with some doubt. 
“The most common birds’ bones [at Silchester],” writes 
Mr. H. Jones, ‘“‘ after those of the domestic fowl, have been 
identified as those of the Raven. . . . The numerous bones 
found amongst the Roman remains would almost point to its 
having formerly lived there in a semi-domestic state. Con- 
siderable remains of the Wild Swan, all apparently from one 
bird, were recovered. The numerous bones of the domestic 
fowl, especially the spurs of cocks, seem to show the presence 
of at least two varieties. . . .” 
Again, in another place, it is stated: “The Raven and 
the Crow, especially the former, seem to have been very 
plentiful, and gave the largest number of identifiable bones. § 
The abundance of the Raven is curious, but it may be 
it was hung in a cage at the entrance, as the Magpie was in 
Rome, to help keep guard against intruders or to salute those 
who came invited to a villa.|| 
The only other discovery was the leg bone of a Guinea 
Fowl, if the identification be correct, encircled by a metal 
ring, probably an imported pet to Silchester, for a knowledge 
of which I am indebted to Mr. H. M. Wallis. 
But Hampshire and Gloucester are not the only counties 
where birds’ bones have been found, for from Mr. James 
Ritchie I learn that Haddington has yielded remains of the 
Buzzard. To this species some bones from Roman debris at 
Folkestone may also have belonged. 
With regard to other Roman birds we have surmises 
in plenty, as well as sundry facts. An Hayle served as a 
* “ Antiquities of Richborough,”’ by C. Roach Smith, 1850, p. 109. 
+ “ Archaeologia,” 1892, p. 288; 1902, p. 20; 1905, p. 369; 1906, p. 167. 
For these references I am indebted to Mr. J. Quinton. 
t{ “ Archaeologia,’’ 1892, p. 288. 
§ “‘ Archaeologia,”” 1893, p. 573. 
{| Fosbroke, “* Encyclopedia of Antiquities,” I., p. 54. 
 “ Archacologia,’? XLVIL., pp. 450, 455. 
