54 OBSERVATIONS ON THE CUCKOO. 
that period he frequently saw Cuckoos in an adjoining 
thicket, though he never observed any one which he 
supposed to be the mate of this female. Had Mr. 
Wilmot been a skilful ornithologist he would not have 
failed to examine the structure of the feet and bill of 
these nestlings, as he must have been well aware that 
by so doing he might have completely established the 
truth or fallacy of his supposition. It is almost 
unnecessary to insist upon the caution with which 
statements should be received from persons whose 
information does not qualify them to discuss the sub- 
jects upon which they write. The error into which 
Mr. Wilmot has fallen, being evidently occasioned by 
his imperfect acquaintance with the feathered tribes 
(for it is pretty clear that he did not distinguish Goat- 
suckers from Cuckoos, now that the economy of the 
latter species is better understood), will probably mis- 
lead none except those who are ignorant of natural 
history or greatly deficient in reflection; but that so 
distinguished a zoologist as Dr. Fleming should have 
contributed to extend and perpetuate the mistaken 
notion here controverted, by lending it the sanction 
of his authority, is to be regretted. 
