70 mr. a. Patterson’s natural history notes from Yarmouth. 
to-day was festooned with bunches of Fieldfares, Thrushes, Eed- 
wings, and Blackbirds. Several Pochards up. 
December 19th. A 14-inch 3-bearded \\ook\mg{Motella tricirrata ) 
obtained to-day. Another same size brought me on the 20th. 
December 21st. Ten Barnacle Geese on Breydon, three of which 
were shot. This is a most unusual number for this part of the 
coast. 
During the latter part of December many hundreds of Coots, frozen 
out from the Broads, might be seen feeding on the Potamogetan- 
covered flats on Breydon. Their method of progress was singularly 
sheep-like, the whole flock going simultaneously, every movement 
one way or the other being in unison. They had become shy from 
incessant persecution. On rising, the patter of their feet was 
louder than that of the Gulls, and they dashed into the water with 
an impetuosity which flung up spray all round them. 
December 27th. In the course of a stroll on the North Beach 
I found stranded a Gannet, half devoured by Hooded Crows, 
a Kittiwake, and some Black-headed Gulls. Also a Woodcock, 
the first of this species I ever saw washed up. 
Afternoon of same date I watched a Grey Wagtail hunting 
amongst the refuse within a few feet of my boat-shed, on the edge 
of Breydon. A singular habit of this bird is its partiality for any 
spot it deems a good hunting-ground, constantly returning to it 
after being disturbed. 
December 30th. Snipe, which had woefully fallen off in weight 
since the middle of the month, have again become plump and in 
excellent condition : this species I have observed will lose and 
regain flesh with wonderful rapidity. 
1900. 
January Gth. A Bittern brought to Market. 
January 13th. A Lemon Sole (Solea lascaris), length 10 inches, 
was brought to me to-day, and on the 1 6th a beautiful Albino of 
the Common Sole ( Solea vulgaris ), length 1 1 J- inches, came to hand, 
a very narrow ring of the normal colour only surrounding the eyes. 
A Pink-footed Goose brought to Market on January 23rd. 
February 19th. A fine <$ Bewick’s Swan in the Market : 
a second appearing on the 23rd. 
Fieldfares appear to have suffered but little during the somewhat 
