38 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



strated that the Rooks which were examined were practically living by 

 marauding grain instead of eating up noxious grubs, insects, &c. All this 

 led to various movements for destroying a portion of these birds in various 

 parts of the kingdom. Shooting parties went to the rookeries for many 

 hours, keeping up one continuous fusillade both by night and day, not only 

 to kill the greatest number, but also to keep the birds as much as possible 

 off their nests, so as to addle the eggs or destroy the young as the case 

 might be. The result of this is that very many were destroyed, and a 

 sensible reduction in number has taken place. But a certain change in 

 the habits of these birds has been observed. They have during last spring 

 attacked the nests of Grouse and other game, and pilfered the eggs for 

 food, this being due, it has been supposed, to the annoyance which they 

 have endured about their rookeries. This system of destroying them 

 therefore requires to be considered, if we do not wish to make the bird a 

 more mischievous one than previously. Another point of general interest 

 to ornithologists has been brought out here by Mr. Turnbull, B.Sc, who 

 has examined dead Rooks where a rookery was being " cleared out," and 

 found grubs and wireworms in the birds when dissected shortly after they 

 were killed, but grain only in those examined a day or two after being de- 

 stroyed, his contention being that digestion went on after death, and that 

 this accounted for little but grain being found in those the subject of 

 the Highland Agricultural Society's article. Thus digestion after death 

 is worthy of attention, and tends to bring out the views most com- 

 monly held on the food of the Rook. Those forwarded to the Highland 

 Agricultural Society were driven by rail to Edinburgh from Montrane, and 

 time must have elapsed before they were examined. — Wm. Wilson (Alford, 

 Aberdeen). 



Serrated Claws of the Common Heron.— On reading the description 

 of the Common Heron (Ardea cinerea) given by Mr. Howard Sauuders in 

 his * Manual of British Birds,' I was rather disappointed to find that he 

 does not make mention of the serrated claws of this species, as I had hoped 

 to gather some knowledge as to their probable use. On examining a speci- 

 men shot here a few weeks ago I find the serration is extremely similar to 

 that of the Nightjar, situated upon the claws of the same toes, and pointing 

 inwardly. I do not think they could be of the least use to the owner for 

 holding or securing food, nor would they retard the bird's flight from 

 branches of trees, &c, as the serration is not on the under part of the claw. 

 I am of opinion that the Nightjar has a decided use for its serrated claws, 

 and I should be pleased if ornithologists would enlighten me by giving their 

 observations or opinions as to the use of these claws in the Common Heron. 

 — Stanley Lewis (Wells, Somerset). 



[Serrated claws are described in most of the handbooks where structure 



