mr. a. Patterson’s natural history notes from Yarmouth. 71 
protracted frost of December ; but the recent return of severe 
weather lias proved too much for them, many being found dead 
under shrubs in the town and neighbourhood. 
February 20th. Small bunches of Larks flying over the town in 
a direct N.E. direction. 
February 27th. About fifty Curlews on Breydon. 
March 1st. Binged Plovers fairly numerous on Breydon mud- 
flats : one flock of fifty, evidently “callers,” working northwards. 
March 3rd. A Plaice, white on the upper surface, with the 
exception of the head and pectoral fins, came to hand. The Plaice 
is not nearly so frequently found colourless as the Brill and Turbot. 
March 5th. Large Otter killed at Burgh Castle. 
March 22nd. A Cormorant was brought to me on this date, 
and turned into a wired enclosure, when it immediately mounted 
a heap of stones and made itself at home. In two or three days it 
recognised its fish-basket, and in a week’s time would catch its 
fish when thrown to it, with remarkable accuracy, trumpeting its 
approval in strange harsh notes. “ Joey ” soon learned to distinguish 
my voice, and to judge of my intentions. He gives decided preference 
to Whitings, Whiting-heads being even more acceptable than cut-up 
Flounders. Gurnards are preferred to Herrings. After getting 
his fill he hops on to a favourite stone, and resumes his usual 
occupation — meditating. If, at one o’clock, ho is surfeited with 
some four or five Whitings, the tail of the last one still protruding 
from the corner of bis bill, for want of room, at two o’clock he will 
manage easily to swallow another couple. Digestion is remarkably 
rapid, 3 to 4 lbs. of fish daily are devoured, lie does not vomit 
the bones of fish, as did my Shag; his “mill,” indeed, “grinds 
exceeding small.” I have not as yet observed him drink, or pretend 
to bathe, although his plumage is kept clean and well groomed. 
He, however, does not object to water thrown over him. 
