178 



Yorkshire Natural ists at Ripon. 



and the Great-Tit competed with the gaily-clothed Chaffinch and 

 the demure Hedge-Sparrow for the crumbs which fell from the 

 tables in the gardens of the refreshment house at the entrance 

 to Fountain Abbey grounds. The entomologists found little to 

 do in connection with butterflies and moths, but some good 

 beetles were boxed. 



After tea a meeting was held, Mr. A. H. Pawson, J. P., pre- 

 siding. Ten new members were elected, and three societies 

 became affiliated with the Union. Reports of the work accom- 

 plished in the various branches of natural history were then 

 given by the officers of the sections. Written reports from 

 some of these have since been received, and are printed below. 



For the foregoing report of the day's excursion we are much 

 indebted to Mr. H. E. Wroot. 



For Vertebrate Zoology Mr. Riley Fortune, F.Z.S., writes: — 

 The valleys and woods were filled with a volume of bird-song. 

 Mackershaw Wood abounded with Wood Wrens, and their 

 peculiar song was heard on all sides. Sandpipers were verv 

 plentiful and noisy. Two pairs of that distinctly local bird, the 

 Pied Flycatcher, were observed, but the more common species, 

 the Spotted Flycatcher, was not in evidence. Near Hell Wath, 

 in a big limestone cliff, numerous Starlings had found nesting- 

 sites, some of them being very near the ground and only a few 

 inches in the rock. Practically all the resident birds were busy 

 nesting, in many cases feeding- their young. The summer 

 visitors had apparently not yet commenced to think about family 

 matters. It was extremely interesting to note the comparative 

 tameness of the birds about the Refreshment House ; they are 

 evidently used to being fed by visitors. Chaffinches in the full 

 glory of their summer plumage were plentiful, and quickly 

 pounced upon every morsel thrown to them. With one excep- 

 tion, this species was represented by males, the females 

 evidently having other matters requiring their attention. Blue, 

 Great, Cole, and a pair of the rarer Marsh Tits appeared 

 amongst other birds to take a share in the feast. During the 

 day the following species were observed : — 



Mammals (8). 



Hedg-ehog-. Weasel. Hare. Red Deer. 



Stoat. Rat. Rabbit. Fallow Deer. 



Birds (47). 



Pied Flycatcher. Song- Thrusli. Robin. 



Dipper. Blackbird. Garden Warbler. 



Missel Thrush. Hedge Warbler. Blackcap Warbler. 



Naturalist, 



