17 SEPTEMBER 1948, Page 15

Swifts and Late Flowers One verdict in standard books on

birds has been qualified by this summer's experience ; swifts were to be seen in many parts of the country towards the end of August. One, for example, was watched in London (N.W.9) on August 22nd, a very late date in the records. The species were more numerous than usual in my district, and an account reaches me of a flock of 30 or 40 round about Hendon Parish Church where they nest. Three were seen on the Moray Firth on September 8th. The weather has allured plants also into lateness (or earliness). Choysia and Cydonia Japonica as well as Viburnum Fragrans and Laurustinus are in flower with me.