438 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



though the precise date of its extermination in the count) 7 has 

 not been even approximately ascertained. Within the memory 

 of man an attempt has been made to re-introduce this fine 

 game-bird into a county where the discovery of its bones has 

 proved its former existence, but hitherto the experiment has 

 been unsuccessful. The Black Grouse has also disappeared 

 apparently from several districts in South Wales, where it was 

 once common. Its former abundance, says Mr. Mathew, is 

 supposed to be attested by the number of inns scattered about 

 bearing the sign of the " Blackcock." This, however, may 

 either testify to the presence of the bird, or only to its heraldic 

 representative, as the Blackcock is the old crest of the Mathew 

 family, at one time owning large estates in various parts of 

 South Wales. It forms, therefore, a most appropriate device on 

 the cover of the volume before us, with the Welsh motto, u Y fyn 

 Duw a fydd," which signifies, as we are informed, " What God 

 willeth will be." 



We were not prepared for the information that it is doubtful 

 whether the Red Grouse is still a native of Pembrokeshire, for we 

 had supposed that the Precelly ridge of hills, which stands out 

 so prominently to the north of the county, would surely yield at 

 least a limited annual supply of these much-coveted game-birds. 

 Indeed, rumour indicates their presence still, on the Cardigan- 

 shire side of the Precelly range. 



Amongst the characteristic birds of Pembrokeshire, it is 

 satisfactory to note that on the cliffs along the coast, the Buzzard, 

 Peregrine, Raven and Chough are still to be met with, together 

 with the less noticeable Rock Pipit and Wheatear. In the north 

 of the county we learn that the Hen Harrier still quarters the 

 wilder moors. The Water Ouzel and the Grey Wagtail are 

 common on every mountain stream, and have for their companions 

 the Ring Ouzel and the Common Sandpiper. The Stonechat 

 may be seen on every common and is one of the characteristic 

 small birds. The Cuckoo and the Nightjar rejoice in the wilder 

 parts of the country, where as summer visitors they are said to 

 be exceptionally plentiful ; while the Linnet, Yellowhammer, and 

 Chaffinch are very abundant. Amongst the soft-billed summer 

 migrants, the Chiffchaff and the Sedge Warbler seem to be the 

 best represented, the former occasionally remaining through the 

 winter. A walk in spring across any extensive common is sure 



