Birds. 2143 



uniform chestnut at the large end, while the rest is nearly pure blue. In different 

 years I have had several similar ones to the last from the same neighbourhood, and 

 these, and the others now in my possession, vary from this intense colouring, in infe- 

 rior gradation, down to a near approach to the most nearly approximating variety of 

 blackbird's egg, from which, however, a practised eye readily detects that of the bird 

 in question. The nest, from which one specimen I possess was taken, was situate in 

 a low yew tree growing among a quantity of laurels, in the Rookery at Bosworth Park, 

 Leicestershire, near which place five others have been obtained this year. I need make 

 no comment on the discrepancy between this description of undoubtedly genuine ring 

 ouzel's eggs and the situation of the nest, and those given by Yarrell, Macgillivray, 

 Hewitson, and other writers. The situation of the nest at Pinley might have been 

 singular and an exception to the general rule, but the character and markings of the 

 egg of the ring ouzel will, I think, turn out to be most usually those that I have 

 described. — A. Evans ; Coventry, May 19, 1848. 



Occurrence of the Redstart (Sylvia Phoenicurus) in Queen's County. — In February r 

 1847, I obtained, through the kindness of Mr. R. Glennon, Jun., bird-preserver, of 

 Dublin, a male redstart in winter plumage : it had been shot two days previously in 

 Queen's County. Mr. Yarrell says that it has been once obtained in Ireland. — Robt. 

 J. Montgomery ; Manor House, Raheny, near Dublin, May 18, 1848. 



Occurrence of the Reed Warbler (Sylvia arundinacea) near Dublin. — On the 21st 

 of December I shot a male specimen of the reed warbler at this place : it is said by 

 Yarrell to have been included in the late Mr. Templeton's ' Catalogue of the Birds of 

 Ireland,' on the faith of a specimen once seen in the vicinity of Belfast. — Id. 



Occurrence of the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) near Dublin. — Mr. Yarrell records 

 that the blackcap has been once taken in the north of Ireland. I have shot two at 

 this place in my father's grounds, both of them in the depth of winter ; one, a female, 

 on the 21 st of December. — Id. 



White Variety of the Hedge Sparrow (Sylvia modularis). — A female specimen of 

 the common hedge sparrow, perfectly white, was captured here about three weeks 

 since. The bird was first noticed in September last, and was finally taken whilst sit- 

 ting on the nest, by a poor boy out of the village. The bird is now in the possession 

 of a relative of mine, and is in perfect health ; it seems quite reconciled to confine- 

 ment. The eggs on which the bird was sitting were of the same colour as those of the 

 ordinary hedge sparrow. — H. H. Crewe ; Drayton Lodge, near Tring, Bucks, May 1 y 

 1848. 



Occurrence of the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) near Penzance. — I yesterday had 

 an opportunity of examining a male and female of this species, which were observed 

 amongst a large number of the common species, and which attracted notice from their 

 light blue backs. They were shot by Mr. W. H. Vingoe, of this place, who civilly 

 submitted their bodies, after skinning them, to my inspection, and the usual tests were 

 satisfactorily developed. — Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, April, 1848. 



Frequent Occurrence of the Continental White Wagtail near Penzance. — Since my 

 last communication to you, relative to the occurrence of this species in this locality, I 

 have now to inform you that during the present month a great number have been 

 seen and several specimens obtained ; in fact I may say that on the wet ground be- 

 tween Marazion and this place several pairs may be seen at any time. I have ob- 

 served others scattered about in various directions in this immediate neighbourhood, 



