ON THE SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR ^^GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.” o57 
296. canus. White-headed Gull (R), 
298. argentatus. Herring Gull. 
209. fiiscus. Fuscous Gull. 
300. marinm. Black-hacked Gull. 
cx. Lestris. Skua. 
305. Richardsonii. Richardson’s Skua, 
cxi. Procellaria. Petrel. 
311. pelagica. Stormy Petrel. 
312. Leackii. Leach’s Petrel. Near Middleton. 
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR “GRASS¬ 
HOPPER WARBLER.” 
By Neville Wood, Esquire. 
Although this little creature (Locustella sihilatrix) is by no means rare in 
some parts of Britain, yet little accurate detail has been ascertained relative to 
its habits in its natural state. This may unquestionably be attributed to two 
circumstances :—1st, the generally shy and hidling habits of the species; and 
2nd, the very limited number of individuals who have time, patience, or incli¬ 
nation to attend to the minutise of the manners of animals. The number of 
zealous naturalists, in any given district, is unquestionably small; and when we 
consider the various branches of Mammalogy, Ornithology, Entomology, Ich¬ 
thyology, Erpetology, Botany, Geology, &c., into which Natural History is 
divided, and the difficulty of attaining to even a tolerable general knowledge of 
any of these extensive sciences, it is not to be expected that the history of any 
country or district should become perfect all at once. The-biography of the 
Locustell is, however, at present so imperfect, that it still remains a question 
among ornithologists whether this bird progresses on the ground by hopping or by 
running (see pp. 78 and 293)—-a circumstance at first sight trivial, but one of 
considerable interest and importance both to the systematist and the field 
naturalist. 
We have only once enjoyed an opportunity of observing the Sibilous Locustell 
at large. On the morning of the fourth of May (a remarkably sultry day for 
the time of year) happening to stroll near a wood in the neighbourhood of 
Campsall, we all but trod upon a Ringed Snake (Natrix torquata). Now 
although this species is not venomous or poisonous, yet when irritated, or sud¬ 
denly alarmed, it raises its head threateningly, hisses vehemently, and thrusts 
No. 13, Vol. IL 3 b 
