372 General Notes. [June, 
of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. (Noticing Brefeld’s paper, and claim- 
ing that Brefeld has substantially confirmed the results of Van Tieghem’s 
early researches.) Max Reess, A Correction (of an alleged error in 
Brefeld’s memoir). Reinke, Investigations Respecting Growth. No. 
12. Dodel-Port, Concerning the Swarm-spores of Ulothrix zonata. Re 
ports of Societies: Amsterdam, Jonkman, On the Prothallium of Marat- 
tiacee. No. 13. Th. Irmisch, A Contribution to the Natural History of 
Cactacee. (Considering the seedlings of Rhipsalis.) No. 14. In Re- 
ports of Societies: Gottingen. Holle, On the Organs of Vegetation in 
Marattiacee. Holle, On a New Camera (using a double mirror). 
ZOOLOGY. 
Tue EUROPEAN WOODCOCK SHOT IN VIRGINIA. — A few days ago 
I received from Dr. M. G. Ellzey, of Blacksburg, Va., the information 
that “a European woodcock was shot in Loudon County, in November, 
1873,” by his brother, with a number of the common species these gen- 
tlemen secured together. The alleged occurrence being one of much in- 
terest, I wrote, asking for further particulars, in order to secure the “in- 
ternal” evidence necessary to place the matter beyond question. Dr. 
Ellzey appears to be perfectly competent in the case, from the particu- 
larity of the reply with which he has favored me. “ The flight of the 
bird was slower, heavier, and nearer the ground than that of the familiar 
bird. When compared with twelve or fifteen of the latter, it appeared 
at least twice as large as the largest of them ; the wing was longer, more 
pointed, and possessed but one falcate primary. The bird was found to 
weigh fourteen and one half ounces; it seems to me that this weight 
alone is sufficient to determine the species, the heaviest American wood- 
cock ever weighed by me being only seven and one half ounces, while 
the average is about five and one half. Moreover, the character of the 
wing settles the matter beyond dispute. I was at the time aware of the 
peculiarities of the European bird as compared with ours in this respect, 
and made the comparison with such care as to preclude possi 
mistake. I had not at the time, nor have I since had, the smallest doubt 
of the correctness of my diagnosis. The bird was not preserved, as I 
wished, to be sent to a taxidermist for mounting, but was cooked and 
eaten with the rest.” 
We have several authentic records of the casual presence of Scolopax 
rusticola in America, besides some less explicit references to the same 
fact in the works of leading sporting writers; but so far as 
member, there has hitherto been no recorded instance of the oce 
of the species south of New Jersey. — ELLIOTT COUES. 
Norasie Cuance or Hasrr or tHe BANK SwarLow. — In pes” 
ing of this bird (Cotyle riparia, Birds of the Northwest, p. T) 
state, “It becomes an interesting question whether the bank swallow 
will ever abandon its burrows, and so far modify its fossorial nature 3$ to 
bility of 
I now re- 
ee map NER ee 
urrence © 
