Correspondence.
The Nest of a Sparrow. (Passer domesticus,) containing sis eggs, was taken at Saltley. on the 30th of November, It is now in the possession of Mr. A. F. Shrive, 98, Lower Tower Street, Birmingham, where it may be seen by anyone interested in ornithology.
Leicestershire Flora.—The Natural History Section of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society is engaged in verifying and bringing up to date the MS. of the Flora of Leicestershire, left by the Rev. W. H. Coleman, of Ashby, about twenty-five years ago. Any botanist in the outlying districts of the county will be rendering useful assistance by sending lists of plants observed to the President of the Section, at the Town Museum, Leicester.
Magpie—Cuckooo.—A friend of mine who, as a hoy, was a great hand at bird's nesting, and also a great observer of the habits of birds, has remarked that when a magpie built its nest in a larch or fir tree, and the nest was taken with a full complement of eggs, she would invariably build again near the same spot. But if the nest was taken under the same circumstances from an Oak, elm, or other forest tree, she would never rebuild in the same neighbourhood. I should be glad to knew, if any one else has remarked this, and if it can be accounted for. Also, if it is a generally acknowledged fact, that the cuckoo lays its egg on the ground, and carries it to the nest where it is lo be hatched.—Oswald M. Feilden.
Conchology.—It may he interesting to your Conchological readers to learn that two species of shells not previously known to exist in Warwickshire have been recently added to the fauna of that county. Whilst searching for Psclaphidæ, in moss growing on a poplar tree near Knowle, the writer found a single specimen of Zonites excavatus, var. vitrina Fer. This species is interesting from its habit (unusual with snails) of braving the most inclement weather, being often found crawling on snow. Near Henley-in-Arden in the heart of Warwickshire, the turnpike road has been cut through a hill composed of red marl, and on the banks of the cutting, on both sides of the read, Helix Cantiana, Mont., abounds. The writer found it there during a Summer Excursion of the Birmingham Natural History Society, but has not discovered it in any other part of the county.—W.G.B.
A Suggestion for Naturalists.—Having in the early part of this year set on foot a Naturalists' Society called "The Northwich Naturalists' Field Club," we are very anxious to establish a series of lectures on Botanical and other Natural History subjects, to be delivered during the winter months for the purpose—first, of instruction to the Class; second, of increasing interest in such subjects; and third, of aiding the funds—as we are at present very poor. The announcement of the "Midland Naturalist" has suggested to me the idea of soliciting through its pages the gratis services of some of the members of the Midland Union of Naturalists in the delivery of monthly lectures, trusting that there may be some who, out of love for the subjects and a desire to extend the study of Nature, would be willing to deliver such lectures to our Society here without further remuneration than their necessary expenses. Our Society is in an infant state, and therefore the lectures need only be plain and elementary in their nature. If you would assist me by printing this letter I should feel very grateful, and it would he a great assistance to the work which we hope to carry on {{here.—T. Hartley,}} Curate of Witton, Northwich, Cheshire, Hon. Sec. of N.N.F.C.
