65 



The Dipper or Water Ouzel (Ginclus aquaticus) in Wilts. 



This bird, though frequent enough along streams in Devon, Somerset, 

 and South Dorset, had, when Smith's Birds of Wilts was published in 

 1887, been only twice recorded as occurring within the limits of the 

 county of Wilts. In 1899, however, a pair reared their young at Castle 

 Combe for the third year in succession, and since then the birds have 

 considerably increased in numbers there — more than one pair nesting 

 there every year. The Devizes Gazette for Feb. 16th, 1899, recorded the 

 fact that a pair had appeared in that month at the Stalls, Longleat, and 

 of course had been shot. There is no reason whatever, why the bird 

 should not become generally distributed in the county if only keepers and 

 " local gunners " can be kept in order and prevented from shooting them 

 before they have time to establish themselves. 



The Hit teril. Two specimens were shot on the Littlecote estate, one 

 in January and one in February, 1902. 



The HOOpoe. One was found dead on a lawn near Trowbridge at the 

 end of April, 1900. Devizes Gazette, May 3rd. 



Cormorants. Some twenty-five of these birds alighted on some high 

 trees at Marden on October 2nd, 1902. They were apparently much 

 exhausted. One was caught alive and several were of course at once 

 shot. They were seen the next day travelling in a south-westerly 

 direction. Field, and Devizes Gazette, Oct. 9th, 1902. 



Sir Edward Hlllse, sixth baronet, of Breamore House, Hants, shot 

 himself at Johannesburg, May 30th, 1903. Born Aug. 25th, 1859. 

 Educated at Eton and Brasenose College, Oxford. J. P. and D.L., for 



VOL. XXXIII. — NO. XCIX. 



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