5064 Birds. 



not find out the man who fired at the two birds, but several persons concur in stating 

 that it was soon after Christmas. Is it not probable that this might be the same bird 

 which was discovered wounded near Hungerford, on January 3rd, mentioned in the 

 'Zoologist' for February. — Alfred F. Sealy ; 70, Trumping ton Street, Cambridge, 

 March 17, 1856. 



Occurrence of the Bittern in Bedfordshire.— A bittern was shot at Lawrence End, 

 near Luton, Beds, in a plantation, by Mr. Croft, January, 1856; another in January, 

 by C. Morgan, Esq., in Glamorganshire. 



Note on the Bittern (Ardea stellaris) in Devonshire. — The bittern, unlike many 

 other species once common in Devonshire, has become of late years from a rare bird 

 a regular winter visitor to this county, and has been unusually abundant this season. 

 The following is a list of those which have come under my own observation during 

 the last four years, but I have seen notices in the local papers of many others which 

 have been shot in this and the surrounding counties: — 



1853. December 15th, one shot on the mud near turf, on the Exe. 



1854. January, one shot near Collumpton. 



„ November 27th, one shot in the Clyst marshes. 



1855. February 3rd, one shot on the Exe, near this house. 

 „ December 1 1th, one shot in the Clyst marshes. 



„ December 22nd, one shot by myself, on the Exe. 



„ December 26th, one seen several times about this place. 



1856. January 22nd, two killed on Slapton Lea. 

 „ January 23rd, one killed on Slapton Lea. 



They appear to be met with either during or after the prevalence of high easterly 

 winds and cold weather, and are usually not at all shy, allowing of close approach be- 

 fore taking to wing. The specimen I killed on the 22nd of December rose within a 

 few yards of me, from the rushes on the "leek-beds" (as they are called), when I 

 was looking for snipe, and had probably only arrived the preceding night, as, though 

 in tolerably good condition, its stomach was quite empty. That seen on the 26th of 

 December was first observed from the windows on the grass lawn close to the house, 

 and was afterwards seen several times about our wood and the opposite side of the 

 river. The three killed at Slapton, on the 22nd and 23rd of January, were shot by a 

 party shooting on the Lea, where I believe it has hitherto been a bird of rare occur- 

 rence. — W. S. M. U Urban; Newport, near Exeter, February 5, 1856. 



Note on the Spotted Crake (Crex Porzana). — A fine specimen of this most beautiful 

 and elegant bird was captured on October 25lh, 1855, by a neighbour (in his garden,' 

 situated on the edge of the cliffs, close to the sea), who sent it for my inspection. 

 There had been a strong gale all the morning from the eastward, which had probably 

 delayed its departure. Considering that if released, it might possibly be recaptured, 

 I determined on trying to tame it, but after keeping it in confinement for about 

 a week (during which period it usually fed well), it was found dead in its cage. 

 Although usually quiet enough during the day, after dark it invariably became very 

 restless, endeavouring most perseveringly to thrust its head between the bars, and 

 would continue perambulating its cage till about midnight, when my observations 

 ceased. I infer from this unquietness and great anxiety to effect its escape after dark, 

 that, like the snipe, woodcock, and other species (probably the swallow), it migrates by 

 night. Although somewhat small, its great— indeed almost perfect — resemblance in 

 form to the common corn crake must strike even the least careful observer. — //. 

 W. Hadjield ; High Cliff, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, March 7, 1856. 





