the island. A gentleman who knows the island well told me that the Black Rat is the common Rat on Sark; and certainly the only specimen we saw on the island was black, and appeared to be an example of Mus rattus.—F.L. Blathwayt (Weston-super-Mare).
Ornithological Notes from Corsica. Correction.—During last April I spent a week in Corsica, and with the help of a small weapon discovered that I made two bad mistakes in the notes published in 'The Zoologist' (1897, p. 254). I hasten to correct them, and apologise to readers of this Magazine for my carelessness. The delightful little Finches which are so numerous on the mountain slopes are Citril Finches (Chrysomitris citrinella), and not Serins. The species of Lark which is common in the island, and which is the only one I could rind this year, is the Wood Lark (Alauda arborea), and not the Crested Lark. The mistake I made in saying that Crested Larks were common was due to some confusion I was in with regard to the songs of these two species. I am able to add two species to my former list. Ring Doves (Columba palumbus) were plentiful in some of the pine forests, and a Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola) was at Ghisonaccia on April 17th. Crag Martins (Cotile rupestris) were very numerous in the gorge between Ghisoui and Ghisonaccia, and were building their nests.—Herbert C. Playne (Clifton College).
Appearance of Migrants in Aberdeenshire, 1898.—With this mild winter a Lapwing was observed on the 14th January, and heard also on the 15th, some being continually about after that date. Curlew, March 9th, and a little later the largest flock which I have yet seen. On same date I also heard some migratory Warblers singing, being earlier than on any previous year; they are seemingly on the increase here. Water Wagtail seen March 24th, Ring-Ouzel end of March (this bird comes decidedly earlier now than it did some years ago). The Lark and Mavis were both singing on March 9th. Cuckoo heard May 1st. Dunlin Sandpiper was seen May 7th. I saw a Wheatear or White-rumped Stonechat on May 10th at old ruins, Coreen Hills, surrounded by heather, this being the most moorland place at which I have ever seen this bird. I have not yet noticed either the Grey or Yellow Wagtail, which generally appear here before this date.—Wm. Wilson (Alford, Aberdeen).
INSECTA.
Cicada attacked by Mantis.—In 'The Zoologist' for 1897, p. 160, I mentioned some of the many enemies which prey upon Cicadas. I have recently received from Mr. Alec Ross, of Johannesburg, two specimens, the attacker and victim, which I respectively identify as Miomantis fenestrata, Fabr., and Tibicen carinatus, Thunb. Mr. Ross informs me:—
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