212 



Sf. Qiiiiitin : Osprcy in Yorkshire. 



became the subject of an expensive lawsuit, decided in favour 

 of the Lord of the Manor. It was next, at considerable cost, 

 removed to a special brick building near the railway station, 

 where, with its prominent label ' pre-historic boat ; admission 

 6d/, it has formed quite a feature in that little market town 

 for over twenty years. It has now made its last voyage, 

 having been presented to the Hull Museum by Mr. V. Cary- 

 Elwes, D.L., J. P., F.S.A., together with several relics that were 

 found with it. It is carved from a single trunk of oak, over 

 forty-eight feet long, and it is safe to say that no such tree 

 lives in England to-day. 



OSPREY IN YORKSHIRE. 



W. H. ST. QUINTIN, F.Z.S,, etc. 



An Osprey spent the whole of Friday, April 30th, at Scampston. 

 He was seen from early morning till dusk, but he was gone the 

 next day when looked for. Though he was followed by a 

 noisy crowd of rooks and jackdaws whenever he moved, he 

 was constantly on the wing over our lake, fishing, and several 

 times was seen to take a fish, probably roach, though there are 

 a few trout, and perch. 



In view of the lamentable condition, as a breeding species, to 

 which the Osprey has been reduced in these islands, it is interest- 

 ing to note that individuals may still be found in spring time, 

 winging their way north towards their old breeding grounds, 

 and it is to be earnestly hoped that those who are in a position 

 to do so, will do their best to ensure them security. 



On the 9th of last month I saw an Osprey at Hyeres [South 

 France], close to the old chateau. It was about 3 miles from 

 the sea, and he was circling with lazy flaps with the wind, not 

 more than 200 yards high as I reckoned, towards the forest 

 which I had just left. 



With the natural eye I could see something bulky in his 

 feet, and with the glass could distinctly make out a good-sized 

 silvery fish, probably a grey mullet, which abound in the neigh- 

 bouring brackish lagoons. 



In 1891 an Osprey stayed at Scampston for fully six 

 weeks. He first appeared in mid- July, and was in moult, 

 being probably a bird that had failed to find a mate, and was 

 not breeding. He became quite reconciled to persons in 

 full view, if they did not behave suspiciously. I once saw 



Naturalistj 



