CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



417 



The kingfisher and the sedge bird. — On Tuesday last, a 

 man called on me with four young kingfishers, which he had just taken 

 from a nest about five hundred yards from my house. I went the 

 next morning to see it, accompanied by a man with a pickaxe and spade. 

 It was situate in a bank over a very small pond (which for some weeks 

 has been dried up) about a foot and a half below the surface of the 

 turf ; about two feet and a half deep, and nearly horizontal, though 

 slightly sloping upwards. We found in it three more young ones, 

 making in all seven. They are all doing very well upon meat soaked 

 in water, but I am obliged to cram them, as they are full fledged and 

 very obstinate, and can fly faster than I can run. 



I have procured a very handsome sedge bird, the first aquatic 

 warbler I have ever kept in confinement. It is doing extremely well, 

 and is unaccountably tame. When first caught it would readily take 

 food from the hand. It is very fond of earth worms, and will swallow 

 a very large one, considering the size of the bird : this is quite at 

 variance with the Ficedulce. Its manners closely resemble those of 

 the willow wren. — E. Blyth. 

 Tooting, Aug. 22nd, 1833. 



The London Natural History Society. — While societies for 

 the study of Natural History have been formed throughout the 

 different counties of England, it has been a matter of surprise and 

 regret to the lovers of that science, that no similar institution has been 

 established in the metropolis, which would afford sufficient and general 

 facilities to the student, at a reasonable expense. 



To remedy this deficiency, a society has been formed for attaining 

 mutual improvement in this study, in all its branches, by means of 

 Meetings, Excursions, and the formation of a Library and Museum. 

 The subscription is fixed at £1 per annum, to be paid quarterly, in 

 advance ; the admission is 5s. 



Any person wishing to become a member of this society, is requested 

 to apply by letter, (post paid) to Mr. Ogilvie, 10, Gloucester Street, 

 Queen Square, who will furnish him with copies of the regulations, and 

 any other information he may require. 



[We wish all success to this society, which originated in a notice on 

 the cover of an early No. of our Magazine. Such associations we know 

 from experience are both pleasant and profitable. — Editor.] 



White monkey. — A letter from Ramree of the 15th of April, 



VOL. I. NO. IX. (SEPTEMBER, 1833.) H H 



