200 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



to the most lovely of all our birds, viz. the Kingfisher, which I am 

 glad to say has increased considerably during the past few years. It 

 is also interesting to know that a heronry in the neighbourhood is 

 still flourishing, notwithstanding the persecution accorded the grand 

 old birds if they wander far from their protected home. As to the 

 smaller winter visitors, I did not hear much of either Siskins or 

 Lesser Eedpolls, but Bramblings and Crossbills were conspicuous at 

 times in suitable localities, the former foraging amongst the " beech- 

 mast," and the latter favouring the " conifers " ; both species are 

 rather uncertain in their visits, but generally occur in greater or 

 lesser numbers, the past winter being especially favourable, and yet I 

 have known of very few being shot ; in fact, the only one was a 

 specimen a man described as "a red bird with a deformed bill, crossed 

 like the 'nippers' we formerly used for holding Eels." 



The river having overflowed its banks so often, the angling 

 successes have been few and far between. As usual, some fine Eoach 

 and Perch were taken, and large Chub were to be had ; but at the 

 opening of the Salmon season in February no fish was taken in the 

 upper parts of the river for several weeks, and very few since have 

 fallen to the lot of the most expert angler. I was told that a very 

 fair number ascended for spawning in November and December, but 

 few "fresh run" fish seem to have come very far up the stream for 

 the present ; perhaps when the " prawn " bait is used in May things 

 will be more promising. Several large Pike, ranging from 20 lb. and 

 upwards, were taken, and one angler told me he caught ten in one 

 day, the largest — which I saw — weighing 22 lb., and the next in 

 weight 18 lb., the rest were smaller, ranging from 3 lb. to 6 lb each. — 

 G. B. Coebin (Eingwood). 



P.S. — Two fine female Badgers were captured, at the end of 

 March, in a locality where only Foxes were suspected, and several of 

 the cream-coloured variety of the Mole have been met with, but I 

 have not heard of or seen a Stoat in white or dappled coat the whole 

 season. — G. B. C 



