525S Birds. 



There was one trait in the character of Mr. Yarrell that must not be 

 passed over in silence, — a trait with which no one was better 

 acquainted than myself, — and that was his extreme readiness to 

 afford information. Often have I had occasion to appeal to him in 

 difficulties about specific character or points of economy ; and from 

 the very moment of mentioning the doubt, or the object of inquiry, his 

 whole attention was absorbed by it ; books, specimens, memory, every 

 auxiliary was at his finger-ends; and no sacrifice of time or trouble 

 was too great for him to make; neither was the subject ever left un- 

 decided while diligence or disposition to teach could throw on it a 

 single ray of light. No other subject seemed to occur to him during 

 the investigation; he had no other occupation: that one inquiry was, 

 for the time being, the object of his life. His power of concentrating 

 his attention on a single subject was most extraordinary; and more 

 extraordinary still was the facility with which that concentrated 

 attention was turned to any subject : he used it after the fashion of a 

 burning-glass, casting the focus wherever he pleased. This faculty 

 was at the service of all ; and the attention of which I speak thus 

 gratefully, from personal experience, was given to every truth-seeking 

 inquirer. All honour be to the memory of such a man. 



Simultaneously with this Supplement was published the third edi- 

 tion of the 'History of British Birds;' and there is every reason to 

 rejoice that the latest observations of this great natural historian are 

 thus preserved to us, and have received the finishing touch from his 

 own hands. My readers will, I am sure, agree with me that this is 

 no time for critical remarks on a work the title of which I have used 

 to introduce this slight tribute of affection and esteem. 



Edward Newman. 



A List of the Birds of Banffshire, accompanied with Anecdotes. 

 By Thomas Edward, Collector of and Dealer in Natural- 

 History Specimens at Banff. 



(Continued from page 5202). 



The Spotted Flycatcher [Muscicapa grisola). It is somewhat 

 strange, but no more strange than true, that this sylvan and garden- 

 loving species should also be found nestling and inhabiting wild and 

 rocky ravines ; yet such is the case : I have met with them twice in 



