NOTES ON SOME STATEMENTS OF NEWTON. 185 



ordinary way, and in this neighbourhood it nearly always, if 

 not always, lays its beautifully mottled eggs on the bare ground, 

 not generally where the herbage is short, as stated by the 

 Professor. He further adds that the site chosen for the nest 

 one year is almost certain to be occupied the next ; but although 

 this species shows great local attachment in its nesting-site, I 

 have never found the nest in the precise site for two years in 

 succession. 



Under the head of Water-Ousel (Cinclus aquaticus) it is not 

 at all certain that the Professor's remarks are in accordance 

 with his usual courtesy, when those who think that this species 

 may be guilty of feeding on the spawn of fishes are accused of 

 being careless and ignorant. 



Alluding to the habits of the Piing-Ousel (Turdus torquatus), 

 it is said that it shuns " woods, groves, and plantations," but I 

 have found its nest twice built in trees in plantations. 



