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NOTES AND QUERIES. 



MAMMALIA. 



Materials of Dormouse's Nest. — Examination of a large number 

 of nests has proved that in this neighbourhood the nests are con- 

 structed of honeysuckle-bark — long coarse strips outside, fine threads 

 inside. Occasionally dead leaves are added, but no grass. The nests 

 are never far from where there are clumps of honeysuckle growing. As 

 the dead bark would hardly be obtainable in quantity till the fall of the 

 year, does not this fact lend colour to the suggestion made by Mr. T. 

 Vaughan Eoberts, that Muscardinus avellanarius usually litters in 

 autumn, not in spring, as so generally supposed ? That such a 

 question should arise shows once more how little we know as to the 

 " family affairs " of our familiar native mammals. — H. E. Forrest 

 (Shrewsbury). 



AVES. 



Wood-Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) in the Isle of Man. — On 

 May 29th last, when visiting Ebenass Glen, I listened for some time 

 to the familiar song of this bird. The plantation, which is a compara- 

 tively new one (probably formed about sixty years ago), seems very 

 suitable to the habits of this species, and I have no doubt that at least 

 one pair was nesting there. I think this bird has not been noticed 

 in the Isle of Man before. — Frank S. Graves (Ballamoar, Alderley 

 Edge). 



Marsh- Warbler in Somerset. — I was pleased to see from Mr. 

 Horsbrugh's note (Zool. 1901, p. 472) that the Marsh-Warbler (Acro- 

 cephalus palnstris) is in evidence as a breeding species in the neighbour- 

 hood (presumably) of Martock. During the years 1888 to 1892 I came 

 across several nests about seven or eight miles from Martock (cf. Zool. 

 1889, p. 450), and previous to that it was known to breed near Bath 

 and Taunton. I have not' visited in the nesting season the precise 

 locality where I met with it since 1892, but doubtless it is still to be 

 found there, and possibly in increasing numbers. At all events, it is 

 satisfactory to learn from another observer that it is to be found breed- 

 ing only a few miles off. — Robert H. Read (Bedford Park, London, W.). 



