BUTTERFIELD : NoTES ON THE BiRDS OF BiNGLEY. 119 



subjected by the gamekeepers ; also the magpie bids fair in a few 

 years to be placed in the same category if this efficient system of 

 espionage goes on. The black redstart is a valuable addition to our 

 local ovifauna, but its value depends on its being properly authenti- 

 cated. Has Mr. Varley any donbt as to the identity of the species 

 in question ? For May 9th, he must have been particularly fortunate 

 in his observations of some of our rarest birds. I have never met 

 with either the grasshopper warbler or the water-rail in this district, 

 but an old friend, on whose ornithological knowledge I can rely, tells 

 me he has seen one specimen of each species. The curlew breeds not 

 uncommonly on Eombalds Moor— a fact which I have not hitherto 

 seen mentioned ; it also breeds plentifully on Barden Moor, and it 

 would seem to be extending its range to the southward. With regard 

 to the stonechat I am thoroughly convinced it is not so commonly 

 distributed as supposed, and is often confounded both with the wheat- 

 ear and whinchat. The chiff chaff and the golden-crested wren are 

 conspicuous by their absence — a circumstance all the more remarkable 

 when we consi5er that the physical character of the country is 

 apparently so suited to their habits. Of late years the tree pipit and 

 the yellow wood-wren have increased in numbers, whilst on the other 

 hand, the brown linnet has diminished, owing, no doubt, to its haunts 

 having been brought under cultivation. Mealy redpolls are to be 

 met with in large flocks this winter, over birch copses. It is a very 

 irregular winter visitor. 



Wilsden, Bingley, Feb. 9th, 1878. 



A COLLECTING EXPEDITION TO THE NEW FOBEST. 



By G. T. Porritt, F.L.S. 

 (Concluded.) 



Gonepteryx rhamni was very plentiful in the rides, and in splendid 

 condition ; Colias Edusa also again occurred in similar situations. 

 Argynnis Paphia swarmed everywhere, and several of the black form 

 of the female, var. Valezina were seen, one fresh lovely specimen being 

 secured by Mr. Daltry. A. Adippe was not unfrequent, and I fancy 

 Aglaia also, although I did not set them to make certain. Satyrm 

 (Egeria, Tithonus, Jariira, and Hyperanthus were in good force, and 

 Resperia Syhanus and Linea were common, but worn. 



I have now given a tolerable idea of our work ; day by day we 

 spent in this manner in various woods or on the heaths, taking 



