200 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



famous trim for the table, as it had been feeding on the cran- 

 berries and bilberries which grow in profusion on the Stiper- 

 stones range, and it was covered with fat. It had evidently pre- 

 ferred the sweeter bilberry to the cranberry, as I made a note of 

 on picking it up. 



I also found a nest of this species in the spring of 1894 on the 

 rocky heights above Aberhirnant. Sir E. Buckley's picturesque 

 residence in Merionethshire ; it contained a single much-incubated 

 egg. Ring-Ousels are undoubtedly partial to rocky situations, and 

 it is perhaps worthy of remark that just about the time when 

 Fieldfares and Redwings are quitting our shores for northern 

 climes the Ring- Ousels make their reappearance. The nest bears 

 a striking resemblance to that of the Blackbird, as do some of 

 the eggs to those of that species ; but a combination of care and 

 patience should always prevent any blundering in the matter of 

 a correct identification of the same. 



The Wheatear (Saxicola oenanthe). 



According to my observations, one of the earliest of the spring 

 migrants to put in an appearance in this county (Leicestershire) 

 is the Wheatear. I find on reference to notes extending over 

 several years that the little Chiffchaff hunts it very closely, but in 

 the matter of actual precedence, in the large majority of cases, 

 the Wheatear is easily first. 



I have observed its sprightly form even before the middle of 

 March in some seasons, and have been frequently struck with 

 wonder at its comparative tameness on arrival in this country, 

 allowing a very imminent approach as it does, and apparently 

 courting close inspection. Invariably by itself when I have so 

 observed it — for, like other migratory species, the males precede 

 the females — it regards the intrusion of a visitor on its temporary 

 halting ground with consummate indifference. I should here 

 remark, however, that the grass pastures and tillage lands of 

 High Leicestershire are little calculated to permanently attract 

 such species as resort for breeding purposes to the downs and 

 warrens and the wild, mountainous, and uncultivated districts of 

 more southern counties. 



A favourite resting ground in the spring of the year with an 

 odd Wheatear or so is a large rabbit-warren on the borders of my 



