naturalist to build up a bookshelf of good standard works,
and not to buy any of the mediocre books at present being
offered, until you are quite satisfied that they will be of
use to you.
**************
THE ECOLOGY OF URBAN FOXES — A Request.
I am commencing,a PH.D study at the University of
London, investigating "The Ecology of Urban Foxes". As part
of this study, it is intended to investigate the distribution
numbers and habitat requirements of Urban Foxes, and I would
be most grateful if anyone with records of foxes in gardens,
raiding dustbins or just crossing roads, etc., would send
these records to me at the address given below.
It is also intended to study the food, parasites,
reproduction and general health of Urban Foxes, and for this
part of the study a large number of corpses of foxes killed
in urban surroundings are needed. So should anyone find a
fox killed on the road, etc., it would be most helpful if
they would telephone me at 01-550-3909, and I will come and
collect the corpse. All expenses incurred will be refunded
if requested.
My address for all written records is: 230, Fullwell
Avenue, Clayhall, Ilford, Essex. Since success of this
study depends on a large number of records and corpses, all
help will be most appreciated.
Stephen Harris

**************
A LATE AFTERNOON VISIT TO RAINHAM MARSH by Kevin Byrne
The late afternoon of 15th August was fine, warm and
sunny. The Club Secretary, Ron Allen, and I had chanced upon
this moment to visit the now-famed Rainham "mud reservoirs"
which have proved such an attraction to birds and bird-
watchers alike. The reservoirs cover a considerable area
extending for a mile inland from the north bank of the
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