The Porpoise, Phocæna communis.
The superstition of many old seafaring men is well shown in the following quotation — the only instance wherein Shakspeare mentions the porpoise: —
"1st Fisherman. Alas, poor souls ! it grieved my heart to hear what pitiful cries they made to us to help them, when, well-a-day, we could scarce help ourselves.
3rd Fisherman. Nay, master, said not I as much when I saw the porpus, how he bounced and tumbled ? They say they are half fish, half flesh : a plague on them ! they ne'er come, but I look to be washed."
(To be continued.)
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM DEVON AND
CORNWALL.
By John Gatcombe.
On the 7th March, wind N.N.W., blowing strong but fine, Black Redstarts were still on the coast, and Titlarks might be seen mounting in the air as in the breeding season. Curlews were on the move, and very clamorous when passing overhead at night. By the 14th, Grey Wagtails had assumed the black throat, Herring Gulls and some Razorbills were in full breeding dress, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were plentiful, in pairs; adult Mews had also arrived, but the Black-headed Gulls had by that date left for their breeding quarters. Great Black-backed Gulls were not so numerous as usual this season, no doubt owing to the mildness of last winter.
I feel confident that on March 14th I saw Richard's Pipit on the grassy slope of a cliff, but did not get very near in consequence of its flying off inland immediately it caught sight of me. However, I think I could hardly have been mistaken, being so well acquainted with the appearance and flight of the species in a wild state, having at different times met with no less than seven examples in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, besides two others that were brought to our birdstuffers in the flesh. Two or three Greater Spotted
Woodpeckers were seen in this locality about the same date. On
