lxxii Journal of Proceedings.
added that the question put by Mr. Walker, as to whether in the Cynipidae
alluded to we had a case of evolution per saltum, opened a very wide field
for discussion, and one which had better perhaps be deferred or left in
the able hands of the President. He would however observe that the
dimorphic theory really only implied travelling on a double line of rails
instead of a single one. The dimorphic forms were both constant in
themselves ; but the tendency to variation, the break of unity in habits,
and the production of a temporary new form, were remarkable facts, and.
well deserved every attention from the biologist.
At the close of the discussion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to
Mr. Fitch for his valuable paper.
Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart., communicated the following :—
" Notes on the Occurrence of a Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) in
Epping Forest.
" I think it worth while to mention and record that I yesterday and
again this morning (Saturday, September 24th, 1881), saw a Honey-
Buzzard in the Forest. It rose from a bush of beech close to my feet,
and flew with rather a heavy flight to an oak about twenty yards off,
where it remained for a few seconds. On examining the bush I found it
swarming with wasps, which began to fly out on my touching the bushes.
I then found pieces of wasps' comb lying on the ground outside the bush,
and the dead leaves scattered around.
" This morning (September 24th), on approaching the spot, we again
saw the bird flying over the trees away from us. Much more of the
wasps' comb was lying about, and a large cavity could be seen under the
branches where the nest had evidently been scratched up, and the
contents strewn around. The branches of the bush showed no signs of
injury, as they would have done had any man disturbed the nest. The
account of the bird in Gould's ' British' Birds,' leaves no doubt that the
name is correctly given. The spot was about thirty yards from and above
the spring, E.S.E., on the Woodredon Hill.
" The bird was again seen, by Mr. Andrew Johnston and myself, on
September 25th during the afternoon, as it was rising from the same
wasps' nest as before. It was thus seen on three days consecutively. I
hope the place will not become so well known as to risk its being trapped.
" On visiting the spot on the 28th the Buzzard seemed to have left the
place, but the remains of the wasps' nest were clearly visible at the side of
the hole, grubbed up by the Buzzard as I suppose."
Under date October 19th, Sir Fowell Buxton adds :—
" On coming to Norfolk, I find from Mr. J. H. Gurney, of Northrepps
(near Cromer), and others, that there have been noticed some twelve or
more of this species, as well as common Buzzards. He has three alive
which have been caught in this neighbourhood (Cromer), and some have
been picked up dead on the shore near Yarmouth. Mr. Gurney believes
that all the larger Hawks are young birds of this year."
Mr. R. M. Christy, of Saffron Walden, sent the following under date
October 26th, 1881:—