NOTES AND QUERIES. 71 



the memory of living men). About two years ago I saw a flock of 

 about fifteen to twenty birds feeding on some alders fringing the River 

 Aire, near Bingley. This is the only time I have met with this species 

 in the West Riding, though I have many times looked anxiously for 

 it. — Rosse Butterfield (Wilsden, Bradford). 



Isle of Man. — It had become very infrequent, but with the last 

 decade there have been signs of increase. Flocks have been noticed, 

 especially in the north of the island. — P. S. Ralfe (Castletown, 

 Isle of Man). 



East Sussex. — During the breeding season I have noticed no dimi- 

 nution ; large numbers of immigrants appear in autumn and through- 

 out winter. I do not think it can be said there has been any diminu- 

 tion during the period 1894-1902. — W. Ruskin Butterfield (St. 

 Leonards-on-Sea). 



Notts. — No doubt that its numbers have seriously declined within 

 memory of the present generation. An old man, whose young days 

 were passed in poaching and birdcatching, has several times told me 

 that he has on occasions caught fifty " Proud-Tailors " before break- 

 fast. Now it would take a number of years to see the same total. — 

 Ghas. B. Pearson (Hillcrest, Lowdham, Notts). 



Hampshire. — When collecting information twelve years ago from all 

 parts of this county for a list of Hampshire birds, I found a general 

 consensus of opinion that it was increasing, thanks to the Bird Pro- 

 tection Act. Since then have lived in two parishes on south side of 

 New Forest, and found it fairly common and nesting. Mr. Meade 

 Waldo, writing in 1900 ('Victoria History Hants'), says, " decidedly 

 increased in numbers during the last ten years." — J. E. Kelsall 

 (Milton, Lymington). 



North Wales. — Roughly speaking, the Goldfinch is most numerous 

 in the south-east of Montgomeryshire and parts of Merioneth ; whilst 

 it occurs in many scattered lowland districts throughout the other 

 counties in fair numbers. It has not been noticed as increasing except 

 in the first-named county. 



Anglesey. — Mr. S. G. Cummings says it is fairly common in East 

 Anglesey in suitable places, and Mr. R. J, Edwards states that at 

 Holyhead it is rather plentiful, notwithstanding birdcatchers. Others 

 speak of it as rather scarce. I am told it does occur on the south-west 

 coast, but never met with it there— district not suitable. Occurs at 

 lighthouses in November. 



Carnarvonshire. — Owing to the mountainous character of the county 

 the Goldfinch is scarce, except on the lowlands, which are chiefly 



