26
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Trout, but the Lock Leven Trout (Salmo levenensis). This
is usually held to be a distinct species, but some authorities
state that the form is no more than a mere geographical variety
of Salmo trutta. Whatever view is taken, a Loch Leven trout
could not be in the Roding by any natural means, and the speci-
men now noticed is obviously not native.
During the past few months, I have heard rumours of trout
(or, at least, a spotted fish otherwise unknown to the local anglers)
being taken from this river. It happens, however, that the roach
here are frequently subject to a bacterial parasitic disease which
causes small black spots on the back and flanks, and this was
borne in mind when I heard the vague reports of trout in
the Roding. It now appears that some, at least, of these strange
captures were correctly identified as trout; and it is indeed
possible that this very desirable fish may succeed in establishing
itself as a breeding species. Perhaps this stage has already
been reached.
I have not heard of any actual introduction of trout in
the Roding, and the river may have been stocked by the over-
flow from some private fish-pond.—Fredk. J. Stubbs.
[It is said that about 2,000 small Brook Trout were introduced into
the Roding, about 1881, by the Rev. R. M. Rodwell, of High Laver (Essex
Nat., i., p. 149: 1887); and Dr. Laver states (Mammals, Reptiles, and
Fishes of Essex, p. 104) that, at the time he wrote (in 1898), they still
appeared "to be doing well." Trout of good size have also occurred
for many years in the Brook Cann, where it runs through the parishes
of Chignal and Roxwell, having been introduced there quite fifty years
ago; and they appear to be flourishing, though not increasing in numbers.
These are, however, I assume, all the common Brook Trout. Of the
introduction into Essex of the Loch Leven Trout there is (so far as I
know) no definite record.—Ed.]
Food of the Little Owl.—The Little Owl (Athene noctua)
is popularly believed to be a harmful bird, and in consequence
it has become the mark of farmers, gamekeepers, and promis-
cuous gunners.
The results of my investigation of the gizzard-contents of
three Little Owls during March last seem to show, however, that
during part of the year at least, this species is certainly harmless,
and probably distinctly useful to the very people who shoot
them recklessly. The records are as follows:—
1. The gizzard contained nine dor-beetles, almost entire
and undigested.
2. The gizzard contained the elytra of five minute beetles,
some mouse-hair, and one down feather (possibly its own).
3. The gizzard contained one beetle, some moss and one
down feather.—A. Hibbert-Ware, F.L.S., Wanstead.