

192 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



1889, p. 153), and also by myself in 'The Naturalist' for the same year 

 (p. 44). Mr. Fieldsend's bird, therefore, — killed near Sleaford in March, 

 1833, — is not the only example recorded for this county. — John Cokdeaux 

 (Eaton Hall, Retford). 



Stock Dove in Co. Wicklow. — While fishing in Wicklow, on April 

 2nd, I observed among some rocks about six miles south of Powerscourt 

 Waterfall, a pair of Stock Doves, Columba anas. On April 9th I again 

 observed them amongst the same rocks, and conclude they will nest there 

 if undisturbed. This shows an extension of its breeding range in Ireland. 

 It has been known to nest near Powerscourt Waterfall within the last few 

 years. — Edward C. Barrtngton (15, Earlsford Terrace, Dublin). 



Purple Gallinules in Norfolk and Sussex.— You ask (p. 105) for 

 further information as to the two Purple Gallinules lately shot in Norfolk 

 and Sussex. I have seen the one shot at Stoke Ferry, near Downham 

 Market, and it is the grey-headed species of India, Porphyrio poliocephalus, 

 Latham. Mr. J. Sandeman, of Westbrook, in answer to enquiry, tells me 

 that the Sussex bird is also the Indian species. Probably they had 

 escaped, but the Norfolk one shows no signs of confinement, excepting 

 that it has lost half its tail. Its feet are smooth and clean beneath, and the 

 nails perfect. The other was killed on a lawn by Mr. Sandeman 's gardener, 

 which is certainly suggestive of a prisoner escaped ! I learn from Lord 

 Lilford that he has kept many examples of P. poliocephalus, but has never 

 lost one. — J. H. Gurney (Keswick Hall, Norwich). 



[The birds which escaped from Lord Lilford's aviaries were Porphyrio 

 smaragdonotus, as mentioned in our last number (p. 147). But several of 

 the Grey-headed species (P. poliocephalus) have been kept in a state of 

 semi-domestication by Mr. Meade Waldo in Kent, and by Mr. Meinherz- 

 hagen in Hants, and the one killed in Sussex may have been one of these. 

 We have no faith in the so-called "British-killed Purple Gallinules," and 

 believe that everyone of these birds which has been shot or caught in a state 

 of liberty must at some time or another have previously made its escape 

 from a state of semi-domestication amongst ornamental waterfowl. The 

 argument that such birds show no traces of confinement is of no value what- 

 ever, for under the conditions in which ornamental waterfowl are usually 

 kept there is no more wear and tear than with truly wild birds. — Ed.] 



Ring Ouzel in Winter. — On Feb. 25th two adult males, showing an 

 unusual amount of white on the wing, were seen by Mr. Hewetson, of 

 Leeds, and myself near the coast-guard houses at Kilnsea, in Holderness. 

 These, or others, had been observed early in the month, and no doubt came 

 across at the same time and in company with the great flight of old Field- 

 fares and cock Blackbirds on or about the 4th of this month. I am informed 

 that Ring Ouzels had arrived on the moors in the West Riding of Yorkshire 



