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THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



many visitors up to- the proprietor's mansion before long, as any nice Satur- 

 day evening he may drop on at least half-a-dozen entomologists, busily 

 engaged capturing insects on his domains. I had never before met a keeper 

 in this wood, and I have visited it pretty regularly during the past few seasons. 



I saw a pair of swallows for the first lime this season on the 11th April, 

 at Giffnock Quarries. 

 Kingston, Glasgow. 



NOTES FROM A NATURALIST'S DIARY. 



By W. H. WARNER. 

 Part I. 



Looking over my diary the other day, which diary I may remark was 

 commenced in April 1868, it occurred to me that a few random notes from 

 its pages might possibly not be unacceptable to the younger readers of the 

 Young Naturalist. As I am what may be called a general naturalist, these 

 notes will be found to range over a very wide field, and though perhaps 

 telling nothing new may possibly serve to awaken the interest of some 

 young beginner. The notes are taken entirely at random, and when thought 

 necessary are made plainer by additional remarks. With the permission of 

 our esteemed editor these notes will be continued at intervals. 



Chinese Character Moth (C. spinula). — Out May 27th. This pretty 

 little moth is seen now commonly enough " at rest " on the fresh green haw- 

 thorn hedges, in its roof like position, and always when I see it thus reminds 

 me of the droppings of a bird. This resemblance has no doubt saved it from 

 the attacks of enemies many times, as the moth rests openly on the twig. 



Ringed Plover (C. Maticula). — A specimen of this pretty little sea- 

 coast frequenter was brought to me to-day (May 5th, 1885), having been 

 shot in a field not far from the river Thames in this neighbourhood. It is a 

 common bird by the sea, but rare in these inland districts. Being one of a 

 pair is it possible they intended to breed in this county ? The bird is now 

 in the hands of a taxidermist. 



Buttercup {R. bulbosus). — A specimen of this commonest of meadow- 

 plants is now (May 11th, 1885) growing in our orchard, and bearing blos- 

 soms of a primrose or pale sulphur-coloured hue, instead of the usual rich, 

 deep, glossy yellow. 



