304 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



previous year : the increase in their numbers in the northern division of 

 the county is roost marked. — John Cordeaux (Great Cotes House, R. S. O., 

 Lincoln). 



Increase of the Hawfinch around Bath. — During the past spring and 

 summer I have heard and seen the Hawfinch {Coccothraustes vulgaris) in 

 unusual abundance in different localities in this district. That it has 

 nested fairly plentifully this year I am certain, for I have seen young birds 

 io several gardens in the neighbourhood feasting on the peas, much to the 

 annoyance of the gardeners. In the winter months I heard reports that 

 large numbers of Hawfinches were daily to be seen frequenting the Clifton 

 downs.— C. B. Horsbrugh (4, Richmond Hill, Bath). 



Song of the Icterine Warbler.— When residing in Dresden in 1886 

 I had almost daily opportunities of listening to the song of the Icterine 

 Warbler [Garten Laubsanger), and with the experience then gathered came 

 to the conclusion that the song in compass, quality, and sweetness was not 

 to be compared to that of the Nightingale or Blackcap, and yet it is a 

 remarkable song, and not to be forgotten. If any readers of this care to 

 refer back to 'The Zoologist' for 1886, pp. 356-357, " Wayside Notes 

 from the Continent," they will see what my impression was at that time of 

 the song of this charming little warbler. — John Cordeaux (Great Cotes 

 House, R. S. 0., Lincoln). 



Hedgesparrow breeding on the Bass Rock. — Perhaps you may 

 consider the nesting of the Hedge Accentor on the Bass Rock as worthy of 

 insertion in 'The Zoologist.' On May 16th I found a nest of this bird 

 containing four eggs. The nest was placed under an overhanging tuft of 

 grass which grew on a low rock-face. This, I believe, is the first case of 

 the Hedge Accentor breeding on the Bass. I may mention also at the same 

 time that I found a Blackbird's nest with four eggs in one of the beam- 

 holes in an old house on the rock. — A. H. Meiklejohn (St. Andrews, N.B.). 



Eared Grebe in Somerset. — A few days ago (July 23rd), I had 

 brought to me the remains of an Eared Grebe, Podicipcs nigricollis, which 

 had been found in an old clay-pit not far from this town. Unfortunately 

 it had been dead so long that it was perfectly useless; but I do not know 

 that the bird has ever been recorded as having been found in Somerset 

 before. — H. S. B. Goldsmith (King's Square, Bridgewater). 



Nightingale at Scarborough. — An undoubted Nightingale took up its 

 residence in May last at Throxenby Mere, at the edge of Raincliffe Wood, 

 near Scarborough. It was first heard by Mr. H. Head on May 8th, and 

 was afterwards seen and examined, with the aid of glasses, on May 13th by 

 Mr. W. Gyngell, a competent observer, and one well acquainted with the 

 bird in the south. It was heard by myself on May 15th, 18th, and 29th, 

 the last date on which it was heard to sing. I saw the bird and examined 



