198 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



EDITORIAL GLEANINGS. 



" A Rook's Execution. — On Wednesday morning about eight Rooks 

 came into Christ Churchyard, Skipton, and tore in pieces the nest a 

 Rook had made in a tree overhanging Cross Street. They pecked the 

 Rook to death, broke the eggs upon which she was sitting, and she and 

 the twigs were cast to the ground. Many neighbours saw this unusual 

 occurrence. Natural history tells us of similar circumstances, but it 

 falls to the lot of few to witness such an execution. Some Rook-law 

 she had evidently broken, for which the death penalty was attached." — 

 The Craven Herald, April IQth. 



" Robins' Nest on Waggon-axle. — A few weeks ago a colliery waggon 

 stood idle for a few days at Seghill, Northumberland, and during that 

 period two Robins built their nest on its axle. Six eggs were laid, and 

 then the waggon started on its journeys again. The parent birds 

 followed it all the way to the Tyne, and their excited hovering round 

 attracted such attention that an investigation was made, which 

 resulted in the discovery of the nest. The waggon has now been 

 placed on a siding to await the convenience of its feathered denizens, 

 and six lusty young Robins have been hatched." — Evening Standard, 

 May 8th. 



The ' Sussex Daily News ' of March 29th says that during the past 

 winter members of the Bodle Street and District Rat and Sparrow 

 Club," near Herstmonceux (Sussex), killed 4143 Rats and Moles, 

 40 Stoats, 40 Rooks, Jays, Bullfinches, Magpies, and Hawks, 615 

 Blackbirds, Larks, and Linnets, and 2994 Sparrows, Starlings, " Grey- 

 birds," and Chaffinches. The member who secured most heads and 

 tails got a prize of £2, the second £1, third 15s. 6d., and fourth 

 7s. 6d. The rules of the Club provide that a fine shall be imposed on 

 members failing to bring in twenty units every fortnight. Rooks, 

 Jays, Bullfinches, Magpies, Hawks, and Stoats count three points ; 

 Rats, Moles, Blackbirds, Larks, and Linnets, two ; Sparrows, Star- 

 lings, " Greybirds," and Chaffinches, one. 



