166 



The Natuealist. 



Common snipe {Scolopax gallinayo). — Breeds not uncommonly about 

 marshy places in the immediate neighbourhood, but more frequently 

 about our moorlands bogs. 



In referring to the foregoing list, it will be seen at a glance from 

 what we know of the habits of the birds contained therein, that the 

 district to which the notes apply is of an elevated or sub-alpine 

 character. 



NATURAL HISTORY NOTES FROM SOUTH AFRICA. 



( Continued. ) 

 By S. Bairstow, F.L.S. 



I AM dwelling somewhat lengthily upon the Mimosa^, for they took 

 a strong hold of my " first impressions." Their blossoms* are power- 

 fully alluring to vast swarms of insects, and a sunny day amongst them 

 is as a night, wind due west, spent amongst the sallow catkins, haunts 

 of revelling Noctuas at home. I give an example. At Fort Beaufort, 

 the other day, from one solitary tree I bottled four specimens com- 

 prising three species of Longhorn beetles, three species Buprestis, two 

 Chrysomelas, and eight Cetonias (amongst the latter a few Aulica), all 

 different species. Besides these there were hosts of butterflies, chiefly 

 Lycaena, and other inebriates. This bush flourished on the town-side 

 of the river Kat. I crossed the bridge, and tramping miles of country 

 with limited success, returned to find the scene of early happiness 

 bright and glittering in Eutomon splendours, and encircled by a million 

 winged fairies whose musical instruments agreeing in difference, 

 appeared to produce one humming note. 



The Batrachians are a curious groap of creatures here, but it was 

 upon the Mimosa I saw for the first time my trusty little friend the 

 tree-frog HyperoUus {Rappio^ Horslockii^ which Mr. Trimen informs 

 me occurs in many parts of South Africa, and also in Madagascar. 

 You may be acquainted with the European Arborea ; you may know 

 that the tree-frog exhibits a dual capacity for adherence : first, the toes 

 terminate in distended, rounded, flattened fashion, and are naturally 

 endowed with a remarkable viscidity, as I shall prove ; second, the 

 abdomen is blessed in means to a similar end," being capable of 

 glandular depression or expansion. The hind-legs are very long, and ^ 

 trustworthy as propellers or jumpers. I brought home the specimen 

 referred to, and placed it on my table, intending to " spirit " him away 



* They give forth a delicious fragrance. Sugaring does not pay dming the 

 period of bloom. 



