ATHENE A Journal of NATURAL HISTORY and Microscopy
February, 1965 No, 6
Published by The Oldham Microscopical Society and Field Club
UTTLE OWL,
ATHENE NOCTUA VIDALII
Editor : L. N. KIDD, F.L.S., F.R.E.S.
Assistant Editor : R. J. STANTON, M.A.
Price 2/6 OLDHAM MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY AND FIELD CLUB ESTABLISHED 1864
Headquarters: I Werneth Park Study Centre and Natural History Museum, Oldham President: A. HUMPHREYS, ESQ.
Meetings held weekly at the Society's Headquarters on Monday evenings at 7-30 p.m. Outdoor Meetings also held during summer months, usually on Saturday.
Members are entitled to borrow books from the Society's Library and to make use of the instruments. Annual Subscription 10/- Junior Members (under 18) 5/-
Further particulars and copy of the current syllabus obtainable from: —
The Hon. Secretary, Mr. W. F. EDWARDS, 31, Mersey Road, Failsworth
Further copies of ' Athene ' can be obtained from : —
The Publications Secretary, Miss A. C. CHA.DDERTON, 78, Oldham Road, Grasscroft, Nr. Oldham, or from The Society's Headquarters
Orders should bo accompanied by postal order or cheque for 2/6, plus 4d. postage. CENTENARY
BY ALBERT HUMPHREYS
To mark the hundredth year of our Society, which we believe is the second oldest Microscopical Society in Great Britain, it was resolved firstly, to have a Summer ramble over the same ground as the first ramble mentioned in our records, which was in July 1867 and secondly, to end the season with a dinner.
Both these events were a complete success.
We are proud to record that the Summer rambles whose object is to collect specimens and make records of the fauna and flora, have continued every year for nearly a century.
The ramble was in the Saddleworth district of Yorkshire, about five miles from Oldham, on the west side of the Pennines.
Twenty members led by the President started from Greenfield and followed the same tracks as did the founders of the Society 97 years ago.
They passed through the small hamlets of Boarshurst and Tunstead with farmhouses dating from the 17th century and continued through Dick Clough to the old bridle road which skirts the lower slopes of Alderman's Hill.
This led to the present main road to Holmfirth across which, half a mile farther on, are the ruins of the old Moorcock Inn (Bill's-o'-Jacks) where our predecessors refreshed themselves.
The return was again round Alderman's Hill but at a much higher level till the Pots and Pans stones were reached (altitude 1,350 ft.). After a short rest the party made their way to Saddle- worth fold for refreshments.
The weather was kind, for after a wet morning the afternoon turned out sunny with a mild breeze, which contributed to the pleasure of the day.
Compared with early records very little change was noted in the fauna and flora of these Pennine hills, in spite of the encroaching housing estates but as these are of comparatively recent development their impact may be felt in the future.
The dinner was held on October 30th 1964 at the Parkfield House Hotel, Moorside, and 35 members and guests attended. Mr. D. W. Mackie, Mr. H. H. Huxley and the Rev. C. E. Shaw were the principal guests.
one hundred and fifty-five CRAGG VALE AND ITS VEGETATION
BY F. MURGATROYD
Cragg Vale is one of the many heautifnl and interesting valleys lying to the west of the town of Halifax, in the townships of Sowerhy and Erringden, which form part of the extensive ancient Parish of Halifax. It runs from south to north for a distance of five miles, the stream flowing through it now bearing the name of Cragg Brook, though in earlier times it was known hy the more euphonious name of Elphin Brook. The stream rises in the midst of the peaty wastes of Soyland Moor among the cotton grass mosses close to the Yorkshire and Lancashire houndary, at an altitude of about 1,300 feet, from where it flows to join the River Calder at Mytholmroyd at only 300 feet. The upper part of the valley above the hamlet of Cragg, which is situated about the centre is sometimes referred to as Turvin Clough. The rocks over which the stream flows and through which in places it has cut miniature gorges, helong to the Millstone Grit series, consisting of massive grit beds, thinner shelving ones and shales. Two important trihutaries join the main valley from the west. These are the streams flowing through Broadhead Clough, the lower one, and the Withens Clough stream coming in at Cragg. Cragg Vale is now comparatively thinly populated, but up to the last century it must have heen a husy valley, judging by the number of ruined factories, empty cottages and farm buildings, some of which are of the seventeenth century. The vegetation is a mixture of lowland and upland species, which is to be expected from the nature of the valley. The steeper, less accessible slopes of the main valley are clothed with the remnants of the Sessile Oak woodland which formerly covered most of the area. The Broadhead Clough area has some Birch- Alder-Willow woodland, as well as Oakwood in the lower part of the clough, hut the Withens Clough area has little woodland, though extensive bracken slopes probably indicate former wood• land. It is of interest to note that among the few native trees growing in Withens Clough, a few specimens of Spanish Chestnut, now mature trees have been planted. By far the greater area is covered with grassland of various types, the existence of which is due to the influence of man and his grazing animals, but much of this is neglected with the decline of farming. In the valley bottom, where any level ground is to be found, and on gentle slopes, the fields are given over to the hay crop, where the vegetation consists of the usual meadowland species of plants, grasses of course predominating; Foxtail, Peren• nial Rye, Cocksfoot, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dog's Tail and some•
one hundred and fifty-six times Timothy being most in evidence. The other flowering plants of the meadows are most conspicuous, Ragged Robin, Meadow Vetchling, Bistort, Beaked Parsley, Cuckoo Flower, the three buttercups—Creeping, Bulbous and Meadow Crowfoot, Sorrel and sometimes Bush Vetch and Lady's Mantle. In one particular meadow Yellow Rattle has been alsundant for the last few years.
The so-called permanent pasture occupies the greatest acreage. This is a very loose term and covers various types of pasture from dry upland to wet lush grassland and all grades between. Most interesting are those at higher levels near the moor edges, but in the last few years changes have taken place in the composition of the flora of these, especially the more neglected ones and those grazed by sheep. In Broadhead Clough, also known as Frost Hole, where the botanically richest pastures occurred. Mat Grass Nardus has invaded the grassland and this can perhaps be accounted for by the heavier sheep grazing, as the sheep will not eat the grass and so contribute to its spread. The grazing of cattle allowed many small herbaceous species to flourish, as the vegetation was not then cropped so close.
Some of the wetter pastures in the Frost Hole Farm area are now thickly covered with one or other of the two thistles. Marsh and Creeping, which are, however, occasionally cut down by the local farmers. The Common Rush also is abundant.
On the slopes of the rather drier pastures where the dominant grasses are Sheep's Fescue and Wavy Hair with small amounts of Heath Grass Sieglingia in the slightly damper hollows, the previ• ously mentioned small herbaceous plants grow. These are Purging Flax, Eyebright, Milkwort, Adder's Tongue, Frog Orchis, Early Puri)le Orchis, Autumnal Gentian, the more common Heath Bed- straw, the two Tormentils and Quaking Grass. A few years ago, a a small colony of Yellow Mountain Pansy was known in one field, but this has not been seen recently. Genista anglica is to be found in small numbers on both sides of Cragg Vale in rough, heathy pastures. Certain areas of pasture have now become covered with scattered shrubs of Hawthorn, Blackthorn (rarely). Wild Roses (Dog and Field), Autumnal Gorse, Bilberry and Ling and in some cases are being colonised by Birches, though probably these will be eaten off. Bracken appears to have increased in grassland and there are now extensive areas of this invasive fern both in Broad• head and Withens Cloughs. Mr. Crump, joint author of Flora of the Parish of Halifax recorded Lesser ScuUcap on north-facing Hawthorn scrub slopes, but these now seem to be Bracken-covered.
In the lower part of Broadhead Clough near the stream are many very wet areas with plants typical of marsh habitats. Golden Saxifrage C. oppositifolium, Marsh Hawksbeard, Bog Stitchwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Great Wood Rush are some of these, but one of the less common plants here is Wood Stitchwort Stellaria
one hundred and fifty-seven nemorum, which is, however, found in a few doughs to the west of Hebden Bridge.
There are some areas of wet Birch-Alder-Willow woodlands near the derelict Frost Hole Farm, and these probably indi• cate the type of woodland once covering much greater areas of wet situations. The ground, which is extremely wet, has a varied flora of plants of bog and waterside including Marsh Ragwort, Lesser Spearwort, Marsh Thistle, Water Mint, the Willow Herbs Epilobium obscurum and E. palustre, Devil's Bit Scabious, Marsh Violet, the Jointed Rush Juncus arliculatus, Tufted Hair Grass, the Sedges Carex remota and C. laevigata and lastly but by no means least. Marsh Valerian, recently re-discovered, not apparently having been recorded since the days when Halifax Flora was published about 1904.
The upper part of the valley is called Bell Hole, a wilderness of bog, scattered Oak-Birch-Willow-Alder copses and bilberry and heather covered slopes. The sides rise very steeply in the form of Grit outcrops and scrub or bracken covered slopes. Innumerable small streams pour down from the wet plateau of Erringden Moor ahove, keeping the bog in the basin-shaped hollow well supplied with water. A large part of this hollow is Sphagnum bog, the most extensive in our parish. Slightly elevated ridges or mounds covered with Alders and Birches break up the surface while the willow Salix atrocinerea is scattered here and there about the bog. Botanising is rather hazardous and rubber kneeboots are neces• sary, though sometimes these are inadequate if one stands still too long.
The most conspicuous plants are the Many-headed Cotton Grass and the Heath Spotted Orchis (now known as Dactylorchis maculata subsp. ericetorum (E. F. Linton) Vermeul). The former is in fruit and the latter in flower at the same time. The orchis is decidedly uncommon locally, but here in Bell Hole it grows literally by the thousand, ranging in colour from white to almost crimson and in height from about six to eighteen inches. Bog Asphodel and Cranberry are present, but not in such great quantity. It would be interesting to know the age of the bog: some of the boys of Calder High School have managed to find out the depth by means of a long pole, which reached solid ground at a depth of nine feet.
A particularly interesting bog is situated in Withens Clough, about a mile from Cragg and near the road to Withens Reservoir. Unlike Bell Hole bog, this is not one dominated by Sphagnum and has a flora richer in species. On reaching the bog, which actuallj terminates in the roadside ditch at the foot of the wall, one is struck by the quantity of Butterwort growing on the stones down
one hundred and fifty-eight which the water, oozing from the hog, drips. Over a period of many years there seems to have heen a steady increase in the numbers of this plant, and both seedlings and mature plants have been seen some distance down the roadside ditch. Unfortunately this is occasionally cleaned out. Accompanying the Butterwort on the wall or in the ditch grow Marsh Horsetail, Cranberry, Sqare- stalked St. John's Wort, Jointed Rush, Marsh Willow Herb, Cross- leaved Heath and the tiny Scirpus setaceus L. Over the wall and in the hog proper the first plant noticed is probably the pondweed Potamogeton polggonifolius Pourr. in shallow pools with Bog Asphodel, conspicuous when in flower; Many-headed Cotton Grass again; occasional plants of the Heath Spotted Orchis; Cran• berry, trailing amongst the other vegetation; Cross-leaved Heath; a small colony of Bogbean, depauperate here, hut flowering in some years; the sedges Carex hostiana, C. echinata and C. panicea, the Butterwort again near the wall and perhaps most interesting of all. Round Leaved Sundew. It is stated in various Floras that Sundew grows on Sphagnum Moss, but nowhere in Halifax Parish does it grow on Sphagnum. A number of small colonies and scattered plants of the Sundew occur here in fine condition though occasionally they may he trampled by sheep. Both Sundew and Butterwort are rare locally, and it is to he hoped that people who know of these stations will not take the plants away. In the Cragg Vale area generally, an earlier generation of botanists recorded several plants which are unknown at the present time, some rare natives, a few aliens. Of special interest were the two wintergreens, Pyrola media and P. minor, neither of which is known anywhere in the Halifax Parish now, though there are many likely localities. Mountain Everlasting or Cudweed is lost to us at the present time, though it grew in Broadhead Clough. Wall Pennywort has grown on an old cottage ruin until perhaps twenty years ago and is probably still existing a mile or two away from Cragg Vale. Black Masterwort Astrantia major, was at one time established above Cragg, bnt has also disappeared. This mnst have heen originally planted.
Several other plants have become established within the last twenty years or so and are as much at home as most of the native species now. Probably the first of these to arrive was Siberian Chickweed, Montia sibirica, now plentifnl along the main stream. The curious old cottage garden and window plant, Tolmiea menziesii, with many common names, referring to its habit of producing bulbils, or what appear to he young plants from the base of the leaf blades, is also well established in the main valley both near the stream and in a lane. Small-flowered Balsam, Impatiens parviflora, occurs in some quantity in woodland and on the stream-side and, lastly, Japanese Buckwheat is present in some numbers in the lower part of the valley.
one hundred and fifty-nine There remains ample scope for the study of the flora of Cragg Vale, and one could think of many ways of increasing our know• ledge of the area from the botanist's point of view. This applies also to the many other valleys of the Parish of Halifax when one realises how many problems of plant distribution remain to be solved.
THE STUDY OF SPIDERS
By D. W. MACKIE
Why study spiders? Did you know that we have in this country spiders that capture their prey by spitting poisoned gum at them; spiders that retreat into burrows in sand hills at dusk and draw a web curtain over the entrance hole to keep out intruders; male spiders which court the females by presenting a wrapped-up fly to them; spiders which can survive immersion in sea water for the full period of a rising tide? These and many other interesting facets of spider life lend a fascination to this grfuip of invertebrates.
There are about 600 species of spiders in the British Isles and so far only about 360 of those species have been recorded in the counties of Lancashire and Cheshire. Spiders make an ideal study from the amateur's point of view and they can be collected all the year round. We still have much to learn about the distribution of the various species and what types of habitats they prefer, whilst the few population studies that have been carried out reveal that spiders are very much more numerous than one would suspect. Spiders of one kind or another occupy habitats from the drift- line Utter on the sea-shore to the top of our highest mountains and can be collected from every type of habitat. As all spiders are carniverous, if collected in numbers in one tube, many will be killed and eaten before one has time to get them home and sorted out. It is also advisable when collecting in the field to keep all specimens from one habitat together in one box of tubes with field notes added, so that one can determine later which species are associated with a particular habitat. At home, all the spiders from a given habitat can be placed in larger tubes, suitably labelled with locality and date, and having a mixture of 75% alcohol and 5% glycerol added. This fluid is also used for the final tubes which are used to preserve the individual specimens for a collection. To identify spiders, the best books are the two volumes of " British Spiders " by Locket and Millidge, published by tbe Ray Society (1951-53). These volumes describe and illustrate all
one hundred and sixty British spiders found up to 1953 and a third volume is in course of preparation which will describe the additional species found since.
b'or general reading on spiders, one cannot do better than read through Dr. Bristowe's " The World of Spiders " in Collins " New Naturalist" series and the same author has a small volume on spiders in the " King Penguin " series.
Identification of spiders is effected mainly by examination of the genital organs, the epigyne in the female and the palp in the males, sometimes assisted by other differences. This means that, so far as the great majority of species is concerned, a microscope of some kind is necessary. A simple instrument with a maximum magnification of about 150 times is ample and I use a monocular microscope with three objectives, 2in., lin. and 2/3in. with two eyepieces, X5 and XI0. Spiders are best examined by top lighting, the specimen lying in alcohol in a shallow dish. The top lighting is very important and should be focussed so that an intense spot of light is focussed on the spider. This is best achieved by using a 6 or 12 volt car lamp fed from a small transformer and some form of condensing lens to produce the concentrated spot of light. In the field, a hand lens, preferably XI0 magnification, is useful for a first examination.
.4s there are some 600 species of spiders in the British Isles, and probably over 200 in any particular district, it takes a little time before one gets to know the most common species. However, a start can be made by collecting only the larger species and ignoring the smaller ones which mainly belong to the family Linyphiidae. Success in the identification of the latter only comes with practice and experience. Full notes should be kept of all species collected and identified; notes as to locality, habitat, etc. These notes will become increasingly useful later, after the first hurdles of identification have been surmounted and one wishes to advance to some ecological work.
Simple ecological work can be carried out, preferably choosing some small area of undisturbed land near to one's home. After the common species present have been determined and full notes on habitat kept, it is possible to say which are the dominant spiders. It will also be possible to determine which species frequent definite habitats. For instance, the orb-web spinners will always be found in Ihe field layer shrub or tree-foliage habitats because they must have an elevated position in which to spin their webs and catch their prey. Grass roots and leaf litter will produce a different group of species, many of which do not spin webs but run down their prey either hy day or by night. Again, marshy places carry a different spider population.
one hundred and sixty-one Population number studies can also be carried out by cutting out one foot squares (or i metre squares) of turf or moss and sifting these out at home to ensure that all specimens are extracted from a given sample. Records of the catches from all methods of collecting should be kepi carefully and from these records a picture can he built up of the spider population of a selected area and how the various species are distributed among the habitats within that area. Spiders can only be kept successfully in a collection by storing them in tubes in an alcohol mixture of 75% alcohol with 5% glyeerne added. The glycerine is added to the alcohol so that should all the alcohol evaporate due to badly fitting corks, etc., the specimens will remain moist and flexihle and can be recovered. Alcohol of a strength greater than 75% tends to make the spiders brittle and difficult to examine later as they will break up if handled. I standardise in corked glass tubes, f in. diam. and liin. long. These will accommodate all except a few of the larger species which can he stored in iin. x liin. tubes. Each tube should contain one species only from a particular locality, and have a small piece of card inside the tube with the species name, locality, date and collector's initials on it. By using black " Pelikan " waterproof drawing ink for this, the card can be placed in the tuhe within seconds of writing and the ink will not run in the alcohol. I also paint the top of the corks with flat white paint so that I can print a reference number on top of the cork. This reference number can be related to the check list given at the end of Vol. II of " British Spiders " (L. & M.) or can refer to a record book or card index. By this means it is easy to look out a partic• ular species from the cabinet where they are kept. I keep my collection in a series of flat drawers, each drawer having a tray of I inch perforated zinc raised I inch from the bottom of the drawer so that the tubes stand upright and the alcohol mixture is kept away from the corks. Admittedly, some of the tubes will lose alcohol by evaporation through time, but these can he topped up as necessary. The usual method of keeping a collection of tubes is to store them, upside down, (each tube plugged witb cotton wool) in large jars with screw tops and the jars completely fdled with alcohol as well. But I find this method cumbersome, waste• ful in space and it is difficult to remove a particular tube for reference.
As one gains experience in the study of spiders, an effort should be made to get your information down on paper and to make your information available to other workers by contributing small articles on the spider fauna of a particular area, (or some other aspect of study) to one of a numher of journals which print such papers. By obtaining reprints of your articles and exchanging these with other workers on the group, it is possible to build up
one hundred and sixty-two a very useful library of reprints on spiders. Such reprints contain information that is invaluable and most of it will never become available in book form.
The only organisation in this country specialising in spiders is the British Spider Study Group, whose members are mainly amateurs, but with a sprinkling of professionals. A quarterly duplicated bulletin is issued and these contain articles and notes on all aspects of spider study contributed by the various members. A Reprint Library is also kept from which memhers can borrow reprints of papers on spiders (for the cost of postage) so that members can draw on this when necessary.
There are probably somewhat less than one hundred people actively working on spiders in this country and because of this lack our knowledge of their distribution and habits is much less than that of any other group of invertebrates of comparable size. Very little is known of the habits of even our most common species. Here then is a field of opportunity for keen naturalists who are looking for a new outlet of interest, an interest which will repay handsomely in pleasure and satisfaction for any work that it entails.
MORE ABOUT MOLLUSCA or THE JOYS OF BEING AN AMATEUR
BY W. F. EDWARDS
It all started when some bright person in the Society sugges• ted that we start a group project. Among the possibilities put for• ward by other members, one appealed to me instantly. This was a survey of MoUusca in our area. Much good work was done some years ago by a member of our Society who found a lot of material in the area, especially in the canals. As the canals are now disused and irreparably damaged, and as the fields, ponds and ditches are being constantly ousted by new housing estates, we thought it possible to record the changes in occurrence and distribution of this group of animals. What a worthwhile idea.
With this in mind, I started to read up about them and found them wonderfully fascinating. I read about cuttle fishes fifty feet long, scallops that swim by opening and closing their shells, slugs that shoot darts at each other, and many more interesting facts. It was marvellous. My new-found enthusiasm prompted me to lecture to my Society, even to write an article in the "Athene", and in a very short time I became the 'expert' on MoUusca.
After which I really started to work and to examine these creatures in greater detail.
one hundred and sixty-three My first problem concerned the identification of a Ramshorn snail that I found in every stretch of the canal and in many ponds. The Ramshorns Planorbis spp. are members of a group of snails that are said to have returned to the water from land ancestors. They have a cavity richly lined with hlood vessels and filled with air which functions very like our lungs, and although they spend their lives in water, they frequently come to the surface to replenish the air. Their shell is a flat coil, hence the name Rams• horn.
There are several species which are easily distinguished from each other and two which are very much alike. Indeed no text book I know, mentions any difference at all in the soft parts of the body, they are separated into species merely hy variations in the shape of the shell. They are called The Ramshorn P. planorbis, and the Keeled Ranishorn P. carinalus, both having 5 to 6 flat• fish whorls, both having a keel round the outside whorl. The differences are in the position of fhe keel in relation to the centre• line of the coil, the shape of the aperture and the width of the last whorl compared to the full width of the shell.
As you will no doubt have gathered hy now, my specimens were one of these two—but which? The books gave a difference in the diameters of shells of adult specimens. The Ramshorn being 18 mms., and the Keeled Ramshorn 14 mms., hut 1 had no way of telling an adult from one not-so-adult, and they vary within each species anyway. As for the other differences, these are merely comparative between the two species, so that to me, our local material seemed to be some horrible in-between creature resembling first one and then the other. And so, after many weary hours of measuring and considering, 1 rather hesitatingly called them The Ramshorn and moved on to the next.
This was also a fresh-water snail, or to be more exact, a fresh• water winkle Viviparus. These are our largest fresh-water snails, and as well as their home, they also carry a door on their backs so that when they retire into the house, they pull the door into place and shut themselves in. Now there are only two species and my job should have been easy—but was it? According to illustrations the shell of the River Snail V. viviparus, is taller and thinner than Lister's River Snail V. fasciatus and the latter also has a hole up the centre of the whorls called an umbilicus. Now 1 found si)eci- mens with and without an umbilicus hut could discern no difference at all in the ratio of width to height. Turning to the text-book for other distinctions, 1 read that the body of one was dark grey in colour with golden spots whereas the other was dark with burnished mottlings. Whether the author was indicating an actual difference in cofour, or trying to avoid having to use the same phrase twice 1 really do not know. If the presence or
one hundred and sixty-four absence of an umbilicus is sufficient to differentiate between the species, there is no problem, but is this really enough? My next problem was, and still is, my greatest. Pea Shells Pisidium spp., are tiny bi-valves which vary in size from 7 mms. to Iz mnis. Before studying Mollusca, I had never heard of Pea Shells but when I came to look, I found these tiny fresh-water mussels alive, alive-oh, in ponds, canals, and even ditches quite near to my own home. As with other bi-valves, they have no eyes, no feelers, nor even a head. The body is mainly a ribbon of tissue that searches hlindly amongst weeds, mud and grass roots, pulling its twin shelled retreat behind it, clumsily and jerkily by muscular expansions and contractions. There are quite a lot of species of Pea Shells and these are indentified mainly by the shape of the interlocking teeth present on each valve and also by other features such as the outline of the shells being oval, trigonal or rhomboidal, or the surface being glossy or silky, flecked or porous, smooth or ribbed and so on. But these last properties again, are only matters of comparison as the differences between species are not very great and subject to variation anyway. To look at the shape of the teeth 1 had to use a microscope, but first 1 had to find the right sort of illumination which would reveal the contours of hills and valleys only fractions of a millimetre long in shiny mother-of-pearl material. Then I had to find some means of mounting these shells with left and right valves in position so that they could be handled without breaking and easily compared with specimens from other stretches of water. After breaking umj^teen specimens and practising some oaths 1 thought 1 had forgotten, 1 mastered a more-or-less successful technique, but then found that two species were differentiated by the presence or absence of a knob on the end of one of the teeth and 1 had specimens, in the same batch, some with the knob and some without. In all other ways these specimens were identical. Finally I got some specimens from one box mixed up with those of another box and retired for the meantime in some confusion.
Later, I tried a completely different section of Mollusca for a change. In my garden one day, I disturbed a pile of old linoleum (awaiting disposal), and found a number of slugs. These I was able to separate into four different species, one of them being common all over the British Isles and very well known by gardeners who grow lettuce and cabbage so that it may prosper. This is the Field Slug which in most text-books is given the Latin name of Agriolimax agrestis. In a fairly recent publication however, it was stated this species should he known as Agriolimax reliculatus, for the true A. agrestis was found and identified in 1940 from a place in Norfolk and had not been identified from anywhere else in Britain. Another species common in this area, I identified as Milax gracilis (no English name) and read that this was first recorded in 1930. Prior to that it had been confused with
one hundred and sixty-five young specimens of the Jet Slug Milax gagates. Help ! if the experts didn't know the difference till 1940 in the first case and 1930 in the second case, what chance have I got?
Not entirely daunted (yet), whilst on holiday in South Wales this Summer, I went a-snailing. I even managed to identify three or four snails that were new to me before I got stuck. This time my struggles arose over a snail that looked like a small Garden Snail Cepaea hortensis, but as there were several hundreds of them around me in the sand dunes, I assumed they were a separate species. So I took some home and consulted my text-books, but could not find one species described or illustrated, which exactly fitted the snails I had. So I carefully made lists of properties such as size, shape, colour, number of whorls, size of umbilicus and etc. of all the snails which might be my darling (Grrrr) and tried a very painful system of elimination. I finished up with the Striped- Snail Helicella virgata, only my snail was not very striped. My only hope of being right lay in the fact that this snail, like so many others, is extremely variable, especially in its stripiness. For example, it varies in height from 7 to 18 mms., and in width from 8 to 25 mms., and there are 16 named varieties. One which corresponded more closely to my specimen was a variety named lineata which is common on the West coast.
I have related here but a few of my difficulties, my only hope now is to give up my job and devote the whole of my life to the study of MoUusca. If any kind philanthropic reader therefore, has a small fortune to spare, I would he very grateful if they would donate it to the upkeep of myself, my wife and my family while I try to sort out these countless numbers of species and varieties that exist to plague all decent amateur naturalists.
OBSERVATIONS ON A KESTREL, 1946-56 BY A. E. BARON
The site from which these observations were made was a ventilation hole in the tower of a cotton spinning mill built approximately 100 years ago, situated on the north-easterly fringe of Oldham. On three sides of the building were fields and open spaces and on the other the built up area of Oldham proper. As is usual with the older type of Mill, a four storey building with a tower at one corner, which supported a Water tank of large capacity, and at the other corner of the same end a four sided stone chimney, additions had been built during the mills lifetime of one and two storied extensions which spread around like an apron for a depth of 50 yards or more. The ventilation hole was through the brickwork of the tower and measured 11 in. wide 7 in. high 10 in. deep and was thought suitable as a possible site
one hundred and sixty-six about 1939, and to encourage any possible tenant a board was roughly nailed across the hole on the inside. In 1946 the hole was occupied and a family successfully raised but the observer was not at the mill at the time to see the whole of the operation. In readiness for 1947 a box was built and attached to the inside of the hole, extending its depth by 9 inches and making the site fat- more comfortable. Peep holes were put in on two sides and the hack, and the top was detachable. Every visit to the box meant a distance of 60 yards, 92 steps, a climh of 14 feet up a 6 in. pipe and the same in the reverse direction, and the nest was visited approximately 45 times per year, for the first few years.
One bird would he seen perched on a ledge on the chimney occasionally during the Winter. The chimney had two ledges which went round all four sides, one about l/3rd way up 5 in. wide and another about 2/3rds way up 3 in. wide and they were used extensively by the birds. By the beginning of March visiting had begun in earnest and the box had fresh pellets in it and by early April a pair had appeared and courting flights were taking place. The birds were about hut not occupying the nest site until early May. From this point quotes from the observers diary are given (any times are at double summer time viz 2 hours on).
May 12th 19i7—Bird on chimney ledge—nothing in box. May 13th 7947 9 a.m. Bird entered hole. 12-30 a.m. Visited box no bird—1 egg. May nth 19^7—2-15 p.m. 2 eggs, bird standing at entrance. May 15th 19i7—2 p.m. Still 2 eggs. Hen on ledge of chimney, disturbed her and she flew around. In about 3 minutes cock appeared and flew around chattering. May 16th 7947—9-15 a.m. 3 eggs, bird stood looking out of hole. May 17/18th 7947—Not at Work. May 19th 19h7—10-30 a.m. 4 eggs, brooding, slight noise made by pegs being pulled out of peep holes disturbed her, jumped to entrance (keen ears). May 20th 19^7—9-10 a.m. Brooding lightly, jumped off and came back. Could see my eyes li in. away and didn't like it, shot off like a flash. May 21st 7947—9-10 a.m. Brooding lightly. 5-15 p.m. Went on mill roof and cock flew off chimney ledge. In a few minutes hen tumbled out of hole in a hurry. Cock gave no cry and was flying well above hole. How did hen know? Birds look much larger in flight than when a few inches off. May 23rd 19i7—12 noon. Shot out of hole came hack in 5 minutes and walked up to eggs and shuffled them around. Quite rough operation, makes a lot of noise scraping them around.
one hundred and sixty-seven May 26th WA7—5 p.m. Bird on, very wary, eggs arranged two 2s. and a 1. May 28th 19i7—12 noon. Hen on brooding strongly. Made a noise but never shifted. June 2nd 19i7—2 p.m. Hen on, sitting close, didn't shift for any noise. June 5th 19i7—11 a.m. Hen on, sitting close, not disturbed. June 9th 19i7—5-20 p.m. Hen on, sitting close, very draughty (a windy day), feathers on bird being lifted all the time. Looked me in the eye and never moved. June 13th 7,947—2 p.m. Hen on, sitting close, got up, had a walk around and came hack. Quite a business shuffling into a comfor• table position. Sounds as if all eggs are being smashed in the process. June 18th 19i7—Hen on, brooding hard—noise no effect. To July on holiday. July 1st 19h7—9 a.m. Couldn't see through peg holes for white down. Opened up box, 5 young quite big, should estimate nearly a week old. Observation holes no good, young crowd to hack and block them. Young squeaked heartily when 1 touched them. July 3rd 19i7—Hen at hole mouth waiting, young hunched at hack, now pin feathered at tail and wings i in. long. Sat hack and lashed out with their feet, hacks to wall, 3 one side 2 other side, glared at me, made no effort to retreat. July ith 19i7—3-30 p.m. All quiet, not a sqeak. July 7th 19i7—5 p.m. Feathers showing very plainly. Resented being disturbed, all in good shape. Commotion from young on being fed could he heard 80 yards away. July 8th 19J17—7-30 to 8-45 p.m. Feathers growing, tail If in. long, body feathers coming through, dangled a fresh dead mouse for them, they hissed and swore at it, and one slashed at it with its foot and took no further notice. Fledgling without head on floor. Hen came, young crowded round and in 2 minutes were fed and my mouse had gone too. In I hour came again. The ease with which victim is torn into little portions is remarkable. After meal young strutted, pecked and scratched. July 9th 19i7—5 p.m. Stroked them and plucked down off them, seemed to like it. July 12th 19k7—2-30 p.m. Two visits by parents. 4-30 p.m. Birds crouched together in two rows, three and two. More feathers than down. July nth 19^7—Watched hole from Mill roof. Three young at entrance saw me and retreated then started peeping out of hole just like little hoys peeping round a corner. Kept repeating this action. Method of feeding; one bird waits on ledge of chimney.
one hundred and sixty-eight other hird brings food. First bird takes it down to hole and feeds young and then goes hack to chimney ledge to await next delivery. July 16th 19i7—Young practically fully feathered. Cock roosts on a window ledge on other side of mill. July nth 19i7—Three in, two flew out. July 18th 19i7—All flying over mill, hen in attendance. Aug. ith 19i7—Three still using hole. End of Aug.—Visiting nest at dusk.
Summary of Observations Eggs laid every two days, either during the night or in the early morning. Brooding—34 days. Hatching to flying 26 days. Pinfeathered in ahout a week. These observations were kept on this site up to 1956 and during that period followed a pretty consistent pattern. During one season the young were ringed hut I never saw a ringed hird occupy• ing the nest at anytime. Some years the time of occupying the nest may have varied by a week or so due probably to weather conditions. Only twice was the nest disturbed so as to he unsuccessful. During the 11 seasons 1 watched it 33 young were produced and flew away. Brooding of the hens varied from year to year, some were much longer in settling down than others. One was so good it wouldn't shift till 1 had given it two or three pokes with a pencil inserted through the peep hole. During the first few days after leaving the nest the young were unable to reach the top of the building in one flight. If unahle to reach the top they would alight on the face of the mill and cling with wings outstretched like a hat, and then flutter and walk up the face of the walls to the top.
FUNGI OF BROADBOTTOM WOODS
BY J. E. MILNE
Broadhottom Woods have been worked very thoroughly for the Slime Moulds or Myxomycetes by Mr. S. S. Bates, hut until 1963 no serious attempt was made to study the larger fungi of this area. In that year advantage was taken of two forays sponsored by the Mycological Section of the North Western Naturalists' Union to concentrate specifically on the larger fungi and to try and assess the likely potential of the area for future work.
one hundred and sixty-nine Broadbottom Woods consists of two areas, but from previous visits in 1960 and 1962 it seemed obvious that the Back Woods area (G.R. 33978930) would be of most interest, and it is this area which was examined thoroughly on these two forays.
The Back Woods consist of some 20 acres of mixed woodland lining two sides of the valley cut by an un-named stream which tlows roughly from NW to SE into the River Etherow. The sides of the valley are steep and in places very boggy. The whole area is damp and shady. The tree layer consists mainly of the deciduous trees Oak, Sycamore and Birch, with an odd Pine tree here and there. The shrub layer is made up of Holly and a few clumps of Rhododendron, but by and large it is not important. As the trees are not very tightly packed in the area it is not as shady as one would expect and this, together with the relative scarcity of shrubs, allows the grass to grow thickly in all parts. In the boggy sections you find the usual types of grasses and sedges common to this type of habitat. From time to time the area is run to cattle from the nearby farm which accounts for the Coprophilous fungi which are present, especially in the grassy slopes at the entrance of the valley.
In 1962 during a foray to the woods, it was thought that it might form an interesting area for study and that the fungus flora might be more extensive than the results of that year showed. Certainly as far as the Myxomycetes are concerned, the woods proved very prolific. On one visit 17 species of these fascinating fungi were found. The Holly leaves and rotting tree trunks proving a rich source of material. However, the two forays in 1963 showed that as far as the larger fungi are concerned, that is the Gill and Pore fungi, Broadbottom Woods is rather a disappoint• ment. This is no doubt due to the lush growth of grasses on the woodland floor which always have an inhihiting effect on the development of the woodland fungus flora.
The number of Ascomycetes found was not encouraging, but no doubt this was mainly due to the fact that they were not especially looked for and those recorded were only seen because they just happened to be on a substrate carrying a Gill fungus which had attracted attention. Nevertheless, even under the best of conditions I don't think there will be a very extensive Ascomycete flora to be found.
In spite of these disappointments with the area, there have been some very interesting finds, especially of fungi which are apparently rare in the North East of Cheshire. Boletus parasiticus is one of these. This fungus parasitizes members of the genus Scleroderma and since 1958 1 have only found it in three areas. Once in Bramhall Park, Bramhall; once in a field at the back of my home in Bramhall and twice in Broadbottom Woods.
one hundred and seventy A rare and rather lovely ephemeral fungus was found growing in dung on our September Foray. Coprinus patouillardii. This fungus looks something like Coprinus plicatilis, but is far more delicate and very much smaller. The flattened cap is translucent and floccose bands run from centre to margin. Under a lens the cap surface is found to be stippled with red. It used to be called C. cordispora because of its heart shaped spores, but with the revisions which took place in the latest Check List of the British Fungi it has been given its present name which takes precedence over C. cordispora.
Of the five members of the genus Lactarius found, one Lactarius pyrogalus is of interest. It has not been seen in any other locality in this part of Cheshire and can be classified as locally rare. It is supposed to be common in other areas of the country.
A very interesting " first time seen " find was Polyporus frondosus growing from the base of an Oak tree. This rather spectacular fungus is rare and is parasitic on frondose trees, especially Oak. Incidentally this find is an example of how luck plays a part in the finding of species. The party were struggling up a steej), narrow, slippery path to gain the upper part of the valley slope. I had detached myself so as to zig zag up using the grass covered part of the slope for better foothold and there it was staring me in the face. If I had followed the rest of the party the fungus would never have been seen and no record would have been made.
In Rostherne during 1962 Dacryomitra pusilla was found. As I could not identify the specimen I sent it down to Kew. They wrote back naming the species, said it was rare and could I send more material. Although a search was made no more material was found. In 1963 the fungus was found both in Styal Woods (specimens now in the Herbarium at Kew) and in Broadbottom. It will be interesting to see if it is found again in 1964. I under• stand that the genus Dacryomitra will be done away with and all species will be included in the genus Calocera where they really belong.
Another rare fungus found for the first time was Nididaria pisiformis. This memljer of the Nidulariales was found growing on one of the railway sleepers which form the bridge across the river Etherow shortly before you arrive at the entrance to the woodland.
A list of the fungi found in this area follows. Most of the species listed were found in 1963 but I have included one or two species which came to light during 1960 and 1962 when the object of the visit was primarily to search for Myxomycetes.
one hundred and seventy-one Whether Broadhottom Woods will ever produce a large and varied fungus flora is doubtful for the lush grasses which are present all over the woods will no doubt inhibit such development. I feel that it is one of those areas which are worth an occasional visit hut does not warrant frequent visits throughout the season.
AGARIC ALES:—
Amanita fulva M. eruhescens A. ruhescens M. galericulata Armillaria mellea M. galopus Boletus hadius M. inclinata B. chrysenteron M. leptocephala B. parasiticus M. leucogala Clitocyhe vihecina M. metata Clitopilus prunulus M. oortiana Collyhia maculata M. polygramma Coprinus atramentarius M. sanguinolenta C. lagopus Marasmius androsaceus C. micaceus Nolanea staurospora C. patouillardii Panaeolus papilionaceus Crepidotus mollis P. semiovatus Galerina hypnorum P. sphinctrinus G. mutahilis P. suhhalteatus G. mycenopsis Paxillus involutus Gymnopilus penetrans Pleurotus ostreatus G. sapineus Pluteus cervinus Hygrophorus russocoriaceus Psathyrella corrugis Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca Russula atropurpurea Hypholoma faciculare B. hetularum Inocyhe longicystis R. cyanoxantha (green form) I. napipes R. emetica Laccaria laccata R. fragilis Lactarius hepaticus R. grisea L. pyrogalus R. integra L. quietus R. ochroleuca L. suhdulcis R. pectinata L. turpis R. pseudointegra Lepiota procera R. sardonia Mycena amicta Stropharia semiglohata
APHYLLOPHORAEES :—
Clavaria cristata P. frondosus Coniophora puteana Polystictus versicolor Ganoderma applanatum Stereum hirsutum Polyporus adiposus S. rugosum P. hetulinus Thelephora terrestris P. hrumalis Typhula erythropus
one hundred and seventy-two TREMELLALES:—^ Calocera cornea Dacryomitra pusilla C. viscosa Exidia alhida Dacrymyces deliquescens GASTEROMYCETES:— Lycoperdon pyriforme Scleroderma aurantium Nidularia pisiformis S. verrucosum Phallus impudicus Sphearoholus stellatus ASCOMYCETES:^ Coryne sarcoides Hypocrea splendens Daldinia concentrica MoUisia cinerea Dasyscyphus soppottii Nectria cinnabarina Helotium aciculare N. peziza H. clavus Scutellinia scutellata MYXOMYCETES:^ Arcyria cinerea F. septica A. denudata Lycogala epidendron A. ferruginea Perichaena corticales A. pomiformis Physarum compressum Comatricha nigra P. nutans C. pulchella P. viride C. typhoides P. viride var. incanum Craterium leucocephalum Reticularia lycoperdon C. minutum Stemonitis fusca Crihraria rufa Tricbia afflnis Didymium melanospermum T. botrytis D. nigripes T. floriformis D. squamulosum T. varia Fuligo muscorum Tubifera ferruginosa
NOTES AND RECORDS The names of recorders are abbreviated as follows : — A.C.C. = A. C. Chadderton. F.M. = F. Meadowcroft. A.D.W.=A. D. Wright. F. Md. = F. Murgatroyd. A.E.B. = A. E. Baron. G. M.=G. Mackie. A.L. = A. Lassey. H. C. = H. Clegg. A.T.=A. Travis. H.G.B. = H. G. Burrows. C.E.S. = C. E. Shaw. H. H. = H. Hodson. C.H. = C. Heyes. I. M.=I. Morley. C.J. = C. Johnson. I.O.=I. Osterfield. C. J.D. = C. J. Dishrey. J.B.=J. Bentley. D. M. = D. Mallinson. J.E.L. = J. E. Lousley. E. D. = E. Darby. J.M.=J. MiUward. E.S.=E. Soothill. J.M.B. = J. M. Butterworth.
one hundred and seventy-three J.R.W. = J. R. Whitelegg. P.S. = P. Skidmore. L.N.K. = L. N. Kidd. R.Cr. = R. Crossley. M.A. = M. Ashworth. R.L. = R. Lupton. M.H =M. Holtby. R.P.W. = R. P. Whitehead. M.N.=M. Newton. V.S.C.=V. S. Crapnell. M.N.B. = M. N. Burrows. W.F.E. = W. F. Edwards. M.O.Soc.Rep. = Manchester W.J. = W. Jaques. Ornithological Soc. W.P.B.S.= Bird Report, 1963. W. P. B. Stonehouse. N.W.O. = N. W. Orford. Y.N.U.Rep. = Yorkshire P.G.R.B. = P. G. R. Barbier. Naturalists' Union Ornitho• P.H.G.W.= logical Report, 1963 (The P. H. G. Wolstenholme. Naturalist. Oct./Dec. 1964). P.H.R. = P. H. Rathbone.
The editor is most grateful to all those who have kindly sent in records for the area.
PLANTS Moonwort Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw. Several plants found in Diek Clough, Greenfield, 13.6.64 (C.E.S.). This is an old locality although there are no other recent records, the plant being easily overlooked. Globe Flower TrolUus europxus L. A party of botanists were shown this plant in a wood near Rishworth in June, 1964 by F. Murgatroyd. It was first recorded in the Ripponden area nearly 200 years ago. Sisymbrium Iceselii L. This casual was noted at Kearsley tip at Singing Clough during 1964 (C.E.S.). Spring Beauty Montia perfoliata (Willd.) Howell. A fine plant of this alien was found in a flower bed at Werneth Park, Oldham, 9.6.64 (F.Md.). There are few records of this plant for our area. Whorled Water-milfoil Myriophyllum verticillatum L. Reddish Canal, 1955 (G.M.) is our only recent record for the area. Sanicle Sanicula europsea L. Growing in plenty at Broadley near Rochdale, May, 1964 (C.E.S.). Marsh Dock Rumex palustris Sm. Several plants on Queens Road tip, near Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, 1964 (C.E.S., J.E.L.). The only other record for our area appears to be from a tip at Stalybridge in 1874 (Fl. Chesh., p. 255). Tufted Loosestrife Naumburgia thyrsiflora (L.) Rchh. Great masses in Buckley & Brennan's mill lodge at Pilsworth (Mr. Maunder per C.E.S.). The plant has apparently thrived here for at least 80 years. We have no other records for the area.
one hundred and seventy-four Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum Lep. The only recent record for the area comes from Dohcross, 1964 (C.E.S., det. A. E. Wade). Deadly Nightshade Atropa bella-donna L. Found in 1964 near the canal cutting close to Daisy Nook hy Mr. Bircheriough of the Oldham Photographic Soc. Mr. Birchenough states that he was told of its occurrence here some twenty years ago hy the late Tom Taylor, hut although he has searched for it on many previous occasions he has heen unsuccessful until last year. Black Horehound Ballota nigra L. Seen on Longdendale tip, August, 1964 (C.E.S.). This is the only recent record we possess. Broad-leaved Marsh Dandelion Taraxacum spectabile Dahl. sensu lato. Our only record appears to he from Ripponden (F.Md.) although it may prove to he more frequent if our dandelions are further investigated. Lyme-grass Elymus arenarius L. This maritime species was found growing in a sand hole heside St. Matthews Church, Chadderton, June, 1964 (C.E.S.). An occurrence at Rochdale was reported in Athene p. 25).
MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS Sphagnum subsecundum Nees var. auriculatum (Schp.) Lindh. Dick Clough, Greenfield 26.9.64 (M.N.). Our only recent record. Cratoneuron filicinum (Hedw.) Roth. Lumh Clough, Droylsden, 18.8.64 (M.N.). Solenostoma cordifolium (Hook.) Steph. Found at Ashway Gap, Greenfield, 15.8.61 (A.C.C.) also in Dick Clough, Greenfield 26.9.64 (M.N.) The first records for the area. Radiita aquilegia Tayl. A rare liverwort for which our only record is Dick Ciough, Greenfield, 26.9.64 (M.N.). MOTHS Mr. W. E. Collinson, F.R.E.S. of Triangle, Halifax, has very kindly suhmitted the following list of species from the Halifax Parish. None of these appear to have heen recorded from other parts of our area. The Cinnahar Hypocrita jacobaeae (L.) A colony has heen estah- lished for some years at Mytholmroyd. Large Marhled Tortrix Sarrothripus revayana (Scop.) Odd ones from the Triangle area. Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea (L.) One at light in 1964. A very good record indeed.
one hundred and seventy-five Small Mottled Willow Laphygma exigua (Hueb.) Three in 1958, one in 1960, and another three in 1961. Bulrush Wainscot Nonagria typhae (Thunb.) One at light in 1960. The Crescent Celaena leucostigma (Hueb.) Two records, both recently. Double Lobed Hydrxcia ophiogramma (Esper) One in 1959. Stout Dart Spaelotis ravida (Schiff.) One in 1962. Brown-line Bright-eye Leucania conigera (Schiff.) A total of ten in recent years. Shoulder-striped Wainscot Leucania comma (L.) Odd ones most years. The Nutmeg Hadena chenopodii (Schiff.) One was taken in 1956. The Fan-Foot Zanclognatha tarsipennalis (Treits.) One in 1959. Figure of Eight Episma caeruleocephala (L.) One taken in 1962. The Gem Nycterosea obstipata (F.) One specimen of this migrant species was taken in 1959. The Mallow Lareniia cervinalis (Scop.) Two recent records. Pebble Hook-tip Drepana falcataria (L.) Single specimens in 1962 and 1964. Mr. Collinson has also provided details of the following interesting species which are very occasional in our area. The Muslin Cycnia mendica (Clerck) Two in 1955 and one in 1963. There are two old records for the Meltham area and a recent one for Dukinfield (Athene p. 56) thonght at the time to be the first for our area. Green Silver Lines Bena prasinana (L.) Odd ones recorded in the Triangle area. Our only other recent record is for the Honley area. May, 1961 (P.S.). The Miller Apatele leporina (L.) One in 1956. Only the third record for the area. Old Lady Mormo maura (L.) Nine recently. A scarce species and no other recent records. The Olive Zenobia subtusa (Schiff.) One in 1959. Only the second recent occurrence in the area. Great Brocade Eurois occulta (L.) First recorded in 1955 and four fine specimens in 1964. Our only other record of this migrant species is for Greenfield, 19.8.1913, R. Cottam. Wormwood Shark Cucullia absinthii (L.) One in 1959. Other records for our area are given in Athene p. 56. Powdered Quaker Orthosia gracilis (Schiff.) Eleven recent records. Recorded during the last few years from only one other locality.
one hundred and seventy-six Marbled Coronet Hadena conspersa (Schiff.) One in 1959 and another in 1963. The distribution of this species in our area is discussed in a paper by Mr. S. Charlson in Athene pp. 50-52. Dog's Tooth Hadena suasa (Schiff.) One in 1962. This is mainly a coastal species and we have only two other old records also from the north-east corner of our area. Small Fan-foot Zanclognatha nemoralis (F.) Odd ones recently. Recorded from only one other locality in the area within the last fifteen years. The Streak Chesias legatella (Schiff.) One in 1955 is the only recent record for our area. Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata (Schiff.) Five in recent years. Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthas ocellatus (L.) One in 1832 and not recorded again until one was taken in 1956. There are one 01 two recent records from other parts of our area. In addition to the foregoing lists, the following species have been recorded during the year. Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos (L.) A specimen was caught by a cat at Hadfield, Derbyshire, 21.8.64 (Mrs. Moloney per C.J.). Depressaria umbellana Haw. Larvae found on gorse at Knott Hill, near Ashton-under-Lyne, 31.5.64 (W.J.). Moths emerged 1.7.64. New to the area.
TRUE FLIES (Diptera) The following flies with one exception are new to the area. Dixa f Paradixa J autumnalis Mg. A specimen of this gnat was taken in a tuft of grass at Broadbottom, 18.1.64 (C.J.). Pngxia scabiei (Hopkins) This curious fungus gnat was taken from borings in the Ogden Valley, near New Hey (P.S. in Proc. & Trans. Manch. Ent. Soc. 1961/3). Rhamphomgia (Pararhamphomgia) aethiops (Zett.) Larvae and pupae of this Empid were taken on Crompton Moor in the damper parts of the hog, beneath moss (P.S. ibid.). Euleia caesio (Harris) A female of this trypetid was taken at Ashworth Valley, 8.6.64 (P.S.). A recent note on the life- history of this species by Mr. E. C. M. d'Assis Fonseca appears in Ent. man. Mag. 100:96. Eccoptoinera microps (Mg.) Several pupae of this Helomyzid were found in a mole's nest at Grains Bar, near Oldham, 19.4.64 (P.S.). Only one other record for the area—Marple, 1927. Dialijta halterata (Stein) This Muscid was ahundant at Ashworth Valley, 5.9.63 (P.S.) and was also at Broadbottom, August, 1963 (P.S.).
one hundred and seventy-seven Helina fratercula (Zett.) Taken at Torside, Derbyshire, 6.8.62 (P.S.)
BIRDS
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Dead or dying birds were found at Yateholme Res. and Rrownhill Res., 6.1.63 (Y.N.U. Rep.). A bird which was first seen on Hollingworth Lake 15.1.65 (E.S., R.P.W.) was still there a fortnight later. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatas One at Rlackmoorfoot Res., 21.1.64, and two there 11.5.64, one with a curiously marked white head (W.P.B.S.). An immature bird at Hollingworth Lake 7.8.64 (R.P.W.). Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorrhoa One picked up in the centre of Huddersfield, 30.9.63, died later. (C.J.D. in Y.N.U. Rep.). Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Two over St. Anne's Square, Manchester, 16.3.63, (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). One flying westwards above the canal at Sowerby Bridge, 21.1.64 (I.M.). Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis One at Blackmoorfoot Res., 20.3.64 (W.P.B.S.). Heron Ardea cinerea Two at Radcliffe 20.1.63 and another there 2.2.63 (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Mute Swan Cygnus olor A pair in the Medlock Vale area, 1964, had seven young of which five survived (H.H.). Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Three at Chamber Hall Res., Bury, 5.1.63 (H.G.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus Recorded in Athene p. 150 for Blackmoorfoot on 27.12.63. Four were also seen there 25.12.63. Ten were still there 28.12.63 (Y.N.U.Rep.). Four birds (2 adult, 2 juv.) were seen at this reservoir on 3rd and 4th Jan., 1964 (W.P.B.S.). Sixty-six were at Ringstone Edge Res. 2.3.64 (E.D., I.M., V.S.C.) and another eighteen were seen there by the same observers 3.1.1965. Four at Watergrove Res., 29.2.64 (R.P.W.). Six at Holling• worth Lake, 7.3.64 and fourteen there on 18.3.64 (R.P.W.). " Grey Geese " 60-70 flying eastwards over Wharmton and pro• ceeding up Chew Valley, Greenfield, 26.1.64 (A.C.C.). At least 40-50 seen over Royton, 15.8.64, flying from Crompton Moor in the direction of Manchester, about 7 p.m. (F.M.). Shelduck Tadorna tadorna One at Elton 16/17.3.63 (J.M.B., in M.O.Soc.Rep.) and another at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 20.8.63 (C.H. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Six at Whiteholme Res., 2.9.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L.). Gadwall Anas strepera Three at Whiteholme Res., 27.8.64 (V.S.C.).
one hundred and seventy-eight Teal Anas crecca Thirty-eight on Heaton Park Res., 6.1.63 and ten there on 15.12.63 (H.G.B., M.N.R. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). A male with the characters of a Green-winged Teal at Black- inoorfoot Res., 26.10.63 (P.G.R.B. in Y.N.U.Rep.). Four males and two females at the latter reservoir 23.2.64 and one male and three females there 2.3.64 (W.P.B.S.). Wigeon Anas penelope Four at Rinstone Edge Res., 9.11.64 (V.S.C.). Shoveler Spatula clypeata Two males and a female at Hollingworth Lake, 29.2.64 (R.P.W.). Scaup Aythya marila Two females at Whiteholme Res., 26.8.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., V.S.C.). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Fifteen at Heaton Park Res., 6.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Four at Elton 7.12.63 (J.M.B.) and twelve on Reddish Vale reservoirs, 19.12.63 (P.H.R. in M.O.Soc.Rep). A female on Blackmoorfoot Res., 3.1.64 and a male on Swel- lands Res., 30.5.64 (W.P.B.S.). Pochard Aythya ferina Eleven on Heaton Park Reservoir, 6.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B.) and four at Elton, 16/17.3.63 (M.O.Soc.Rep.). Recorded from Blackmoorfoot Res. by (W.P.B.S.) as fol• lows:— five on 27.12.63, one male 3/4.1.64, seven (6 males, 1 female) on 3rd and 7th Feb. 1964, two males 10.2.64. Eight on Baitings Res., 26.1.64 and eleven there 27.1.64. On both occasions a bird with a curious white head was noted (W.P.B.S.). Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Nine at Blackmoorfoot Res., 10.3.63 (Y.N.U.Rep.). Recorded at this same reservoir on ten visits between 24.1.64 and 16.3.64, ten (six males, 4 females) being present on 7.2.64, and eight on both 8th and 10th March, 1964. On the former date, five males, and three females were pre• sent, whilst on the 10th three males and five females were there (W.P.B.S.). One flying near Swellands Res., 5.4.64 and another over Brun Clough Res. on the same day (W.P.B.S.). Forty-seven at Whiteholme, 5.4.64, five at Ringstone Edge Res., 9.11.64 and six there on 15.12.64 (V.S.C.). Eleven at Warland Res., 8.11.64 (W.F.E.). Common Scoter Melanitta nigra One at Blackmoorfoot 29.4.63 and two there on 19.5.63 (D.M., I.O. in Y.N.U.Rep..). A male at Upper Castleshaw Res., 3.8.64 (W.P.B.S.), and two males at Hollingworth Lake 13/15.12.64 (R.P.W.). Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus A pair seen at Riversvale on several occasions during the last week in January, 1965 (H.H.). One seen about the same time flying over Springhead in the direc• tion of Pitses (A.T.). Merlin Falco colmbarius A singe bird noted at Radcliffe Nov./Dec. 1963 (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.).
one hundred and seventy-nine Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Nested in Church spire at Gorton, 1963 (P.H.G.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.), and a pair roosted in Crumpsall Church spire, Nov. to Dec. 1963 (H.G.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). A single pair at Reddish Vale, 1963, and four pairs at Offerton Green (P.H.R. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). In the Hebden Bridge-Todmorden area the status of the kestrel in 1963 was apparently unchanged (J.B. in Y.N.U. Rep.). In the Saddleworth area this species was noted at various times between January 1963 and November 1964, birds being seen at Delph, Biggie, Dobcross, Grasscroft, Greenfield, and Uppermill (A.C.C.). Five in the Wessenden Valley, 27.6.64 were apparently a family party (W.P.B.S.). Birds were also seen at Stakehill, Royton, 25.4.64 (A.C.C.), Fo Edge, Edenfield, 21.6.64 (A.C.C.), and hovering over Frederick Street, Oldham, 20.10.64 (L.N.K.). Pheasant Phasianus colchicus A cock pheasant was seen walking along Kinders Crescent, Greenfield, in the early morning of 22.3.64 (M.H.). Coot Fulica atra Three on Beaton Park Res., 6.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). One on Blackmoorfoot Res., 4.1.64 (W.P.B.S.). Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus One at Hollingworth Lake, 15.3.64 (R.P.W.). Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Sixteen at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 11.8.63 (C.H. in M.O.Soc.Rep.) and two there 18.8.63 (J.R.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Four at Whiteholme Res., 29.7.64 and recorded there on five other occasions up to 22.8.64. Maximum numbers c. eighteen on 16th August and thirty-eight on 19th August, down to nine on the 22nd. (A.L., A.D.W., I.M., M.A., R.L., W.P.B.S.). Grey Plover Charadrius squatarola Two juveniles at Whiteholme Res., 27.9.64 (R.P.W.). Golden Plover Charadrius apricarius 350 at Radcliffe, 8.9.63 (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Two flocks near Crime Lake, Daisy Nook, 250+ and 150+ during the last week of August 1964 (H.H.). About 200 at Ringstone Edge Res., 27.10.64 (V.S.C.). Turnstone Arenaria interpres A single bird at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 18.8.63 (J.R.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Bred at Bell Hole Clough, Mytholm- loyd in 1963, an adult and young chick being seen there on 28.5.63 (R.Cr.). One seen in Holden Clough, 26.12.64 and again at the end of January, 1965 (J.M.). Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica One at Hollingworth Lake, 14.3.64 (R.P.W.) and five at Whiteholme Res., 9.8.64 (A.L., M.A.).
one hundred and eighty Wliimbrel Numenius phaeopus Three at Whiteholme Res., on 26.8.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., V.S.C.). also on 28,6.64 (A.L., M.A.). One there 30.8.64 (A.L., R.Cr.) and three more on 2.9.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L.i. Two at Whiteholme Res. on 6.9.64 flew away after half-an-honr, but a little later at Blackstone Edge Res., two Whimbrel flew around, calling for about five minutes before flying off in a southerly direction (W.P.B.S.). Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Two at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 11.8.63 (M.O.Soc.Rep.). Singles at Whiteholme Res., 26.8.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.P.W., V.S.C.), 31.8,64 (A.L.). and 2.9.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L.). Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola One at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 11.8.63 (C.H. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Redshank Tringa totanus Two at Bury 26.1.63 did not survive to breed in normal haunts (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Two at Whiteholme Res., 5.8.64 (A.L., M.A., R.L.), another on 12.8.64 A.D.W., I.M., V.S.C.), and two on 19.8.64 (A.L., M.A., R.L.). Young seen there 11.8.64 and 13.8.64 (R.P.W.). Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Singles at Whiteholme Reservoir 11.8.64 (R.P.W., V.S.C.), 13.8.64 (R.P.W.), and 28.8.64 {A.L., M.A.). Two at Warland Res., 9.8.64 (R.P.W.). Greenshank Tringa nebularia Three at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 18.8.63 (J.R.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Knot Calidris canutus One in partial summer plumage at White• holme, 10.8.64 (R.P.W.). Littie Stint Calidris minuta One at Whiteholme, 12.9.64 (A.D.W., A.L.). Dunlin Calidris alpina Breeding in the Tintwistle area (N.W.O.). Two at Chew, Greenfield, 24.5.64 (A.C.C., W.F.E.). Twelve feeding around the edge of Swellands Res., 30.5.64, also two at Black Moss Res., and another near a small pool on moor between Black Moss and Stanedge (W.P.B.S.). Recorded al Whiteholme Reservoir on various dates between July 29th and August 22nd, 1964. the maximum number being c. 40 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L., V.S.C.). Two at Ringstone Edge Res., 27.10.64 (V.S.C.). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris testacea Four from 31.8.63 to 4.9.63 on Reddish Vale sludge (P.H.R. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). RulT Philomachus pugnax One at Rhodes Sewage Farm, 18.8.63 .'J.R.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Various numbers at Whiteholme Reservoir during second and third weeks of August, 1964. with five on the 11th and possibly eight on one occasion (A.L., M.A., R.L., R.P.W., V.S.C., W.P.B.S.). Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus One at Whiteholme 16.8.64 (V.S.C.) and possibly the same bird 18.8.64 (R.P.W.).
one hundred and eighty-one Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Four noted in Crime Lake area, Daisy Nook during the last week of August 1964 (H.H.). One at Ringstone Edge Res., 4.11.64 (V.S.C.). Common Gull Larus canus 3,000 at Audenshaw in December 1963. In January and February 1963 the normal large gull roost at Audenshaw was untenable owing to severe weather (P.H.G.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Little Gull Larus minutus One at Blackmoorfoot Res., 31.8.63 (Y.N.U. Rep.). An adult at Whiteholme Res., 30.8.64 (R.Cr., A.L.). Herring Gull Larus argentatus Maximum of 1,000 at Audenshaw in December 1963 (P.H.G.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Maximum at Audenshaw in December 1963, c. 2,000 (P.H.G.W. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Nested at Torside in 1964 and possibly also at Woodhead (N.W.O.). Blaclc Tern Chlidonias niger One at Blackstone Edge Res., 23.8.64 (C.J.D., V.S.C.). Singles at Whiteholme Res., 26.8.64 (A.D.W., V.S.C.) and 30.8.64 (R.Cr., A.L.), also two there on 2.9.64 (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L.). Stock Dove Columba oenas Four at Roch Irwell contluence during breeding season, 1963 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Three flying N.E. at 8-0 a.m. over Radcliffe on 25.5.63 (J.M.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Presum• ably the first record for our area. Barn Owl Tgto alba Described as a thinly distributed resident, this species is recorded among other places from Marple (H.G.B. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). Two at EUand, 2.9.64. (A.D.W., A.L., I.M., M.A., R.L.). Little Owl Athene noctua One near Slackcote, Delph, 17.9.64 W.P.B.S.). Hoopoe Upupa epops One seen at Rooley Farm, Huhherton, Sowerhy Bridge, 25.9.63. The species was observed two days earlier at Shaw Hill, near the Shay (Halifax Town Football ground) (per I.M.). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Noted at Offerton Green in Dec. 1963 (P.H.R. in M.O.Soc.Rep.). One seen at Turner Wood, Rishworth, 21.5.64 and 24.6.64 (I.M.). Seen at Riversvale on four occasions during last two weeks of January 1965 (H.H.). Swallow Hirundo rustica First noted at Grasscroft, 21.4.1964 (A.C.C.): House Martin Delichon urbica Nested near Arthurs Lane, Green• field, 1964 (W.F.E.). Three pairs nested, 1964, in Wildmoor Ave., Holts Estate, Oldham. (H.C.). A number flying around Central Avenue, Greenfield on 9.10.64 (L.N.K.). A bird which fell from the nest at Uppermill, Saddleworth in early July
one hundred and eighty-two 1964 was hand-reared by Mrs. E. J. Watkinson. The bird is the companion of Greenfinches in an aviary and is in tine condition, January 1965. It is hoped to include some notes on this bird in the next issue of Athene. Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Nested again in a drainpipe at Blackley (H.G.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Nested in a mill at Delph, Yorks., 1964 (A.E.B.). Jay Garrulus glandarius. Five in Brushes Valley, 16.10.64 (W.P.B.S.). Coal Tit Parus ater. Resident at Offerton Green (M.O. Soc. Rep.). Marsh Tit Parus palustris One seen at Rishworth, 20.11.63, " a rare bird in our parish " (I.M.). Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. A flock of ten at Offertou, 1.12.63. (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Present in Autumn 1963 at Offerton Green (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Four young noted in Turner Wood, Rishworth, 31.8.64. (I.M.). Dipper Cinclus cinclus Two seen at Uppermill, 27.2.64 (A.C.C.). Fieldfare Turdus Pilaris Feeding off scraps in a garden at Crumpsall during the severe weather of Jan. and Feb. 1963 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). See also Athene p. 153. Redwing Turdus niusicus During the severe weather of Jan. Feb. 1963 birds were noted in unusually suburban areas at Blackley and Crumpsall (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.) In freezing fog on 13.1.63 two were feeding near Manchester Cathedral on the lawns (J.M.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Twenty-nine plus near Todmorden, 10.8.63 (Y.N.U. Rep.). A male and female in Butterley Clough, Marsden, 11.4.64 and a female seen there on 9.5.64 (W.P.B.S.). One in the same valley, 3.6.64 (A.C.C.). Two in Crowden Great Clough, 29.6.64 (W.P.B.S.), and single birds at Chew, Greenfield, 24.5.64 (A.C.C., W.F.E.) and Hey Clough, near Holmfirth, 4.8.64 (W.P.B.S.). Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Two at Reddish Vale, 31.8.63 (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). About eight near Crowden, Longdendale, 29.6.64 and about six there, 28.7.64 (W.P.B.S.). Two juveniles at Hollingworth Lake, 21.8.64 and 13.9.64 (R.P.W.). Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Two near the rifle range, Crowden, 29.6.64, one a juvenile (W.P.B.S.). Whitethroat Sylvia communis Latest date 1963—one at Offerton Green, 22nd September (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Five of the six nests found in the Medlock Vale area in 1964 were successful. The one failure was due to the heavy storm on 30.5.64 (H.H.).
one hundred and eighty-three Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla One in a garden at Hyde, 22.8.64 (N. W.O.) and another at Lydgate, near Grasscroft, 21.9.64 (A.C.C.). Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus First seen at Grasscroft, 21.4.64 (A.C.C.). Of fifteen nests found in the Medlock Vale area in 1964, twelve were successful, six of these having eight young each (H.H.). Latest date 1963 at Offerton Green 22nd September (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Passage noted at Cruinpsall on four dates in 1963, 16th August to 15th September (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita One seen at Grasscroft, 12.9.64 (A.C.C.). Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata One nest found in the Medlock Vale area during 1964 and observations during the breeding season indicated at least three successful clutches by different pairs. Several noted by the canal aqueduct near Daisy Nook during last week of August and one pair still with young (H.H.). A family of young birds were being fed near Crowden Longdendale, 29.6.64 and a bird was seen at the same place 28.7.64 (W.P.B.S.). Meadow Pipit Ant has pralensis Steady SW movement on hroad front of c. 150 at Radcliffe, 28.9.63 (J.M.B. in M.O. Soc Rep.). Up to fifty on sludge pools at Reddish Vale in late Dec. 1963 (P.H.R. ihid.). Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Single birds at Radcliffe, 15.12.63 (J.M.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.), and at Reddish Vale 8.12.63 (P.H.R. ibid.). A pair noted in Turner Wood, Rishworth, 24.6.64 (I.M.). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Two nests found in the Medlock Vale area in 1964. One was successful (three young) but the other deserted leaving one egg in the nest. The latter was built within one yard of a skylark's nest and this hird prohahly objected. The successful nest believed to be a repeat clutch (H.H.). One near Blackstone Edge Res., 15.8.64 (W.P.B.S.). Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes One seen hy the canal near Daisy Nook during the last week of August 1964 (H.H.). Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Three at Reddish Vale, 12.10.63 (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Two seen at Grasscroft, April 1964 (A.C.C.). One at Elm Park, Rochdale, 20.12.64 (R.P.W.). Two in Holden Clough, 24.1.65 (J.M.). Siskin Carduelis spinus Three were feeding on birch catkins alongside Rishworth Mill pond, 12.12.63 (I.M.). Mr. Morley says this is the first time he has seen Siskins at Rishworth since going to work there 14 years ago. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Out of ten nests found in the Medlock Vale area in 1964 only two were successful. However four
one hundred and eighty-four failures were due to one pair which laid four clutches of eggs during the period May to August. In each case the eggs failed to hatch. Samples from the first two clutches sent to the R.S.P.B. for analysis contained sufficient DDE to be a possible cause of infertility. All the nests were within 20 yards of each other, nos. 2 and 3 being in the same bramhle hush, and only one yard apart (H.H.).
Twite CarduelLs flavirostris Five in Butterley Clough, Marsdeii, 11.4.64, six near Crowden, 29.6.64, and five on Broadhead Noddle, near Castleshaw, 3.8.64 (W.P.B.S.).
Redpoll Carduelis flammea Breeding in a plantation near Wood- head (N.W.O.). Two on passage, Carr Wood, near Heywood, 10.5.64 (R.P.W.). Ten to twelve seen near Mvtholmroyd, 26.12.64 (R.P.W.).
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Four at Reddish Vale and Otferton Green in Dec. 1963 (P.H.R. in M.O. Soc. Rep.), and one seen at Holcombe 4.6.63 (J.M.B. ibid.). A pair still in Holden Clough, December 1964 and the species probably bred there during the year (J.M.). After an absence of nearly a century in the Halifax Parish this species has bred in some districts during the last three or four years. Two males and a female were seen at Rishworth at the heginning of 1964 and three young were noted in Turner Wood, 31.8.64 (I.M.). A pair were successful (four young) in the Medlock Vale area during 1964 (H.H.).
Bramhling Frmgilla montifringilla Two at Heaton Park, Manchester, 12.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.).
Corn Bunting Eiuberiza calandra Single birds singing in June and July 1963 at Radclitfe (J.M.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). Common south of Bury-Heywood (H.G.B., M.N.B. ibid.). A male singing at Wild House, near HoUingworth Lake, 25.5.64 (R.P.W.).
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Ten feeding with Highland Cattle at Heaton Park, 12.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.).
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Three near Whiteholme Res. 7.12.63 (W.P.B.S.). Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Regular hreeder in the Marple area-Otterspool Bridge to Lower Waterside, in oak trees (N.W.O.). Six at Heaton Park, 12.1.63 (H.G.B., M.N.B. in M.O. Soc. Rep.). One at Blackmoorfoot 7.2.64 and another 10.3.64 (W.P.B S.). Three nests found in Medlock Vale area in 1964. All were successful (H.H.).
one hundred and eighty-five OTHER VERTEBRATES
Common Frog Rana temporaria. L. Tadpoles of the common frog were found in December 1963 in an old stone trough approx. 6 yds. X li yds. They overwintered in this same trough the previous year also. Probably the inadequate food supply in this confined space may account for their susupended development (I.M.).
Pike Esox lucius L. A pike weighing 211 lbs was caught in Ogden Reservoir, near New Hey on 15.11.64 by Mr. J. Sparrow.
Fox Vulpes vulpes A report in The Guardian 31.3.64 states that foxes have recently killed lambs of the St. Kilda sheep in Heaton Park, Manchester. A fox was seen in Holden Clough, 23.8.64 and again 31.8.64 (J.M.).
one hundred and eighty-six North Western Naturalists' Union IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Readers of this publication are given a cordial invitation to attend the Symposium: " Land Reclamation in the North West ", which will be held in the Werneth Park Natural History Museum, Oldham, 27th March, 1965, 10.30 a.m. to 6.0 p.m. Full details from the General Secretary: Peter R. Barratt, The Station House, Northenden, 22, Lancashire. ^
Membership of Union, 5/- per annum.
Treasurer: H. H. Huxley, 3, Lindow Road, Manchester, 16, Lancashire.