14 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS' UNION. 
and across the sands within twenty yards of where I was walkinj^. 
It flew strongly and swiftly as any newly-fiush^^d bird in a covert. 
November 13th, an Eared Grebe was brought to me for identi- 
fication ; it being one of three that had been seen swimming 
inside the scars, and at the same time a Grey Phalarope was 
reported. 
Up to the date of writing the autumn has been remarkabh^ 
mild and free from gales. This, no doubt, has facilitated the 
flight of immigrants, and great numbers have been able to make 
the passage with ease, and have moved on without resting. 
Mammalia, Reptilia, etc. — Mr. Fortune writes :— No records 
of any moment have been published respecting these branches. 
There is no doubt that Badgers increase in numbers ; a young one, 
about half-grown, was found asleep on a road near Grewelthorpe. 
It was taken to Hampsthwaite by its captor, a collar was put round 
its neck, and it was chained up in a stable. It managed to effect 
its escape, but unfortunately it hung itself through the chain 
catching in a branch when going through a hedge. Foxes in some 
districts are still affected ^vith mange, but the disease appears 
to be d3dng down rapidly. Hares have, in some localities, suffered 
considerable mortality amongst the young ones. 
With regard to the Vertebrate Fauna, other than the birds, 
the Committee is of the opinion that they should undertake the 
systematic working out of their distribution, with a view to an early 
publication, in order to complete the Vertebrate Fauna of the 
county. Mr. Roebuck read a short paper, giving suggestions as 
to how this important matter should be dealt with, at the meeting 
of the Section, held at Leeds on November 21st. 
With regard to Fishes, there is nothing special to report. 
The following Officers were elected for 1909 : — 
President — Riley Fortune, Harrogate. 
Secretaries— H. B. Booth, Ryhill, Ben Rhvdding ; W. H. Parkin, 
Shipley ; T. H. Nelson, Redcar ; E. W. Wade, Hull. 
Representative on Executive — Prof. Patten, Sheffield. 
Representative on Committee of Suggestions — W. H. Parkin. 
The Yorkshire Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles and Fishes 
Committee.— On the suggestion of the \'ertebraLe Section, the 
Kxecutive Committee recommended the formation of a special 
committee for the investigation of the vertebrate fauna of the 
count}-, other than the birds, which have recently been fully dealt 
