40 THE OBNITHOLOGIST. 



Several reports of early nests have reached us. We heard of a Robin's 

 nest with eggs near London on March 1st. Mr. C. E. Wright, of Kettering, 

 reports a Hedge-Sparrow's nest with one egg on January 4th, and in the 

 " Naturalists' Journal" for March, Mr. E, Fisher, of Huddersfield, records 

 a Blackbird's nest with one egg on January 1st. Rooks and House-Sparrows 

 commenced building near London during the first week of March. Mr. 

 R. Warren reports ( " Zool.," March, p. 100), Herons' nests with eggs on 

 February 1st, in Co. Mayo. 



' ' The Irish Naturalist " for February reports an occurrence of the 

 Squacco Heron (Ardea ralloides) in Co. Kerry, September 17th, 1895. 



TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



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 interesting notes. 



Rev. W. W. F., Portlaw. — We intend to have an " Exchange" corner, 

 and will print thirty-word announcements from readers without charge if 

 relating only to books or specimens offered or wanted in exchange. 



D. P., Leyton. — The Editor thanks you for your letter, the perusal of 

 which afforded him sincere pleasure. 



W. M. P., Newcastle. — We have given some information upon the 

 subject of Protective Orders under " Notes and News," and we hope to add 

 to this in other issues. 



W. B. J., Sheffield. — Instruments needed are a pair of scissors with 

 very slender points to cut embryo, a pair of fine forceps to remove it, and 

 a needle (in a handle) with which to make a circular orifice in side of shell 

 as it cannot well be drilled. Thin paper may be pasted round orifice to 

 strengthen the shell before proceeding. Eggs far advanced in incubation 

 should not be taken, as it is usually impossible to extricate their contents, 

 while if the female has brooded long she will not generally reproduce the 

 set, as would be done when fresh eggs are taken. If you could write us a 

 short article on your ornithological observations in the Orkneys it would no 

 doubt be acceptable. Thanks for interesting yourself on our behalf. 



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 until it is ready for issue ; your name has been added for a copy. 



Mr. J. H. Knowles, 15, Rush Hill Road, Lavender Hill, S.W., sends us 

 a catalogue (No. 22) of works on Zoology, &c. 



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