152 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



any markings on the under parts. This is, I believe, the first occur- 

 rence of this species in West Suffolk since November, 1899. — Julian 

 G. Tuck (Tostock Rectory, Bury St. Edmunds). 



The Status of the Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans) in Britain (cf. ante, 

 pp. 23, 70, and 104). 



North Oxfordshire. — The Goldfinch (as a resident species at all 

 events) is more common than it was twenty or five-and-twenty years 

 ago. It is now fairly common as a breeding species, but its numbers 

 are liable to be temporarily reduced by severe winters — e.g. 1890-1 

 and the early part of 1895, when the resident race appeared to be 

 nearly exterminated. In the spring of 1896 (I was abroad in the 

 spring of 1895) I could see none about this village until April, although 

 there were a fair number about in the latter part of that month. 



West Carnarvonshire (Lleyn). — Fairly common, and, I believe, resi- 

 dent. I have often seen it in the breeding season, and have found the 

 nest ; but I have only once been in Lleyn in the winter, when I saw a 

 charm of six Goldfinches one day early in February, 1903. 



West Merioneth. — I have spent about three weeks in this district in 

 May and June in the years 1900, 1901, and 1902, but I cannot recollect 

 seeing a Goldfinch during those periods ; but a good many years ago 

 — on the 15th October, 1884 — I saw about a dozen near the sea at 

 Llwyngwril, and I am told that the Goldfinch has been known to breed 

 near there. — 0. V. Aplin (Bloxham, Oxon). 



Arrival of the House-Martin. — I saw a single House-Martin 

 (Chelidon urbica) flying about close to the sea at Mundesley, Norfolk, 

 on the 27th of last month (March). — Bernard B. Riviere (Flaxley, 

 82, Finchley Road, N.W.). 



Hen-Harriers in Dorset. — While staying in Dorsetshire in January 

 last I came across a pair of Hen-Harriers (Circus cyaneus). When first 

 seen they were too far off to identify, and I thought possibly they might 

 be a pair of Montagu's Harriers wintering here, as they breed more 

 frequently in the county than the Hen-Harrier, and one has been 

 obtained as late in the year as Nov. 26th {cf. ' Birds of Dorset,' by the 

 late J. C. Mansel Pleydell). However, one day I disturbed the male 

 bird, and, happening to be hidden under a bank when he returned, had 

 a good opportunity of observing the greater stoutness of build as he 

 sailed round and about, no doubt trying to see if the intruder had 

 departed. Two or three winters ago a neighbouring keeper told me 

 that a pah- of Harriers were continually worrying the Teal that fre- 

 quented a pond on his beat ; he called them Montagu's Harriers, 



