The Renewed Irruption of Syrrhaptes

Abstract

MR. SCLATER having requested me to contribute to The Ibis an account of the present visitation of Syrrhaptes similar to that which I compiled for that journal in 1864, I would ask for information on the subject to be sent to me, and especially cuttings from foreign newspapers, the name of the publication and the date being always indicated thereon. I must add that I do trust my task will not be the unpleasant one of merely recording senseless slaughter. In 1863 the species bred both in Denmark and in Holland. There is no reason why it should not, if unmolested, breed this year in many parts of Britain. The visitations of 1872 and 1876 were of insignificant proportions, but that of the present year would seem to be of considerable magnitude, and sanguine hopes might be entertained as to the result if the malign influence of the “collector” could be neutralized or withstood.