Various Short Notes. 



61 



the rough steep field on the right hand going down to Scotland 

 Mill from Penyfynnon. 



And that is the tale of these relics of the flora of Old Leeds. 

 There is something pathetic in the contemplation of the fact 

 that, with a few exceptions, every one of them has passed away 

 for ever, to take, with the lapse of time, a position in the dusty 

 archives of science-fact similar to those impressions of Catamites 

 and Sigiilaria on the coal-measure wallstones of our rockeries 

 and museums. Both alike determinatively existed, and even 

 the botanist may be permitted some sentiment over what is 

 implied in the removal of natural landmarks. Decade by 

 decade, one by one they disappear, like the ugly black cannon- 

 ball -headed iron bollards on the edge of the pavements at 

 the street corners of our city, , natural and artificial, as the 

 fashion or their reign of purpose is over, with nothing save 

 surveying semi-omniscient Intelligence to tell their story, and 

 interpret (it may be) the meaning of these lights of other days. 



NO TBS—ORNITHOLOGY. 



Cormorant at Horncastle. — A specimen of the Common Cormorant 

 {Phalacrocordx carbo) was recently shot, in the Brickyard Pits, at Horncastle^ 

 being- doubtless driven inland by the recent gales. It is now in my 

 possession. — J. CONWAY Walter, Langton Rectory, Horncastle, 27th 

 January 1900. 



Kingfishers in Winter at Horncastle.— During this winter a pair 

 ot Kingfishers {Alcedo ispida) have been frequently seen in the middle of 

 the town (Horncastle), sitting on rails by the canal, which passes the 

 yard of Mr. Garton, stonemason, West Street. Another specimen is 

 Frequently seen, sitting on garden rails, by another branch of the canal, in 

 the souih pari pi the town. They are becoming- tame, and the people feed 

 them with scraps of meat, etc. — J. CONWAY Walter, Langton Rectory, 

 Horncastle, 27th January 1900. 



NOTES AND NEWS. 



The Geological Societv lias awarded the Lyell Medal for the present 

 year to J. E. Marr, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., whose numerous contributions to 

 the physical and stratigraphies) geology and palaeontology of the Lake 

 District are well known to our geological readers. 



•++ 



Mr. W. Hodgson, A.L.S., is, we see by the 'Workington Star.' ot 

 5th January, to supply the botanical portion to the Cumberland volume 

 of the new ' County History* series. The only regret we have is that, 

 although the work will he in sale hands, the readers el' the hook cannot 

 realise the personality of the veteran who, born in [824, is still activel} 

 interested in his favourite pursuits. 



1900 February 1. 



