NOTES AND QUERIES.
MAMMALIA.
Materials of Dormouse's Nest.—Examination of a large number of nests has proved that in this neighbourhood the nests are constructed of honeysuckle-bark—long coarse strips outside, fine threads inside. Occasionally dead leaves are added, but no grass. The nests are never far from where there are clumps of honeysuckle growing. As the dead bark would hardly be obtainable in quantity till the fall of the year, does not this fact lend colour to the suggestion made by Mr. T. Vaughan Roberts, that Muscardinus avellanarius usually litters in autumn, not in spring, as so generally supposed? That such a question should arise shows once more how little we know as to the "family affairs" of our familiar native mammals.—H.E. Forrest (Shrewsbury).
AVES.
Wood-Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) in the Isle of Man.—On May 29th last, when visiting Rhenass Glen, I listened for some time to the familiar song of this bird. The plantation, which is a comparatively new one (probably formed about sixty years ago), seems very suitable to the habits of this species, and I have no doubt that at least one pair was nesting there. I think this bird has not been noticed in the Isle of Man before.—Frank S. Graves (Ballamoar, Alderley Edge).
Marsh-Warbler in Somerset.—I was pleased to see from Mr. Horsbrugh's note (Zool. 1901, p. 472) that the Marsh-Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) is in evidence as a breeding species in the neighbourhood (presumably) of Martock. During the years 1888 to 1892 I came across several nests about seven or eight miles from Martock (cf. Zool. 1889, p. 450), and previous to that it was known to breed near Bath and Taunton. I have not visited in the nesting season the precise locality where I met with it since 1892, but doubtless it is still to be found there, and possibly in increasing numbers. At all events, it is satisfactory to learn from another observer that it is to be found breeding only a few miles off.—Robert H. Read (Bedford Park, London, W.).
