72
THE ESSEX NATURALIST
between 4 and 6 inches of bedding and this was dry and com-
paratively fresh. No fleas or ticks were found for collection.
The most easterly blind point, point G, contained one strange
feature. The tunnel had a tapering end but in the centre of the
end wall was a smaller hole about one inch in diameter which
continued for some distance further on. Whether this was a mouse
or mole tunnel which the badgers had been following was not
certain although this would appear to be the only explanation.
Figure 3.—Upper: Tunnel depth A —E.
Lower: Tunnel width A —E.
Suspected internal dung pits were found at point 4, between
points C and D. These were small depressions about 2 inches
deep in the tunnel floor. Samples of the darkened bedding mix-
ture in these depressions contained a large number of earthworm
chaetae, indicating that these probably were old dung pits.
In conclusion, I would like to thank D. Wright, who in
addition to acting as guardian for this and the associated sett,
organised the dig itself; to D. A. J. Hunford, B. Eastcott, P.
Stothert, W. W. Page for their valuable assistance, and to South-
end County Borough Council for their kind co-operation.
Bird Notes-1966
By M. T. Parker
Reports on Meetings
Curtis Mill Green, April 3. Four members attended this
meeting. The weather was cold, damp, very dull with a strong
north-east wind blowing. Twenty-three species were either heard