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CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORT FOR NORTH DEVON 
HOR 1907. 
By Brucrt EF. Cumminas. 
Tue following natural history notes on the occurrences of 
different species of animals in North Devon during the past 
twelve months, or so, are chiefly the result of my own observations 
made at different times, and also of the notes of other observers 
who have been kind enough to communicate them tome. I am 
especially indebted to Mr. H. H. Hamling for help and observa- 
tions on the birds. 
MamMALS. 
Stoats and Weasels are very numerous here. During January, 
1907, it is said that the keepers of Sir John Amory had nearly 
one thousand Stoats alone hung up on the keepers’ trees. In 
spite of the large numbers of these vermin they do not appreci- 
ably diminish the quantity of Rabbits. 
At the beginning of last year a large number of the Rabbits 
caught in North Devon were found to be affected with large 
hydatid cysts, caused by the first stage of a Tapeworm 
(Tenia cenurus, Cobbold). In order that the worm may reach 
maturity and complete its metamorphosis, the Rabbit which it 
affects must be eaten by the Dog. One of these Rabbits which I 
examined showed, on being skinned, a large watery swelling on 
the rump, about the size of a plum. Inside were a number of 
round ‘‘ white heads.’’ These vesicles contained the microscopic 
embryos which are provided with a useful set of paired hooklets 
on the anterior side. The probable cause of this widespread 
malady was no doubt the very wet weather, which would favour 
the prolonged existence of the ejected ova until cropped up by 
some unfortunate nibbling Rabbit. 
In May last year a Polecat (Putorius foetidus) was reported to 
have been caught in a Rabbit-trap at Combemartin. I made 
Inquiries, and have come to the conclusion that the report is 
Zool. 4th ser vol. XII., March, 1908. I 
