UC-NRLF CATALOGUE OF THE CASES OF BIRDS IN THE DYKE ROAD MUSEUM, BRIGHTON. Giving a few descriptive notes, and the localities in which the specimens were found. BY E. T. BOOTH. SECOOSTID EJDITIO3ST. 1896. All rights reserved. Brighton : KING, THORNE & STAGE, PRINTERS, 4 AND 5 JUBILEE STREET. 1896. i THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESENTED BY PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID DYKE ROAD MUSEUM, BRIGHTON. CATALOGUE OF THE CASES OF BIRDS IN THE DYKE ROAD MUSEUM, BRIGHTON. Giving a few descriptive notes, and the localities in which the specimens were found. BY E. T. BOOTH. SECOOSTID EZDITIO3ST. 1896. All rights reserved. Brighton : KING, THORNE & STAGE, PRINTERS, 4 AND 5 JUBILEE STREET. 1896. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. White-tailed Eagles' eyrie Frontispiece and page 153 Portrait of the late Mr. E. T. Booth „ viii. Interior of the Museum ... ... ... „ x. Golden Eagles (Winter) „ 1 Sand Martins... ... ... ... ... „ 7 Kingfishers ... ... ... ... ... „ 31 Kestrel's nest and young ... ... ... „ 35 Barn Owls and young ... ... ... „ 41 Young Cuckoo and its foster parents (Titlarks) „ 43 Carrion Crows and wounded Teal ... ... „ 87 Eobin Eedbreasts „ 104 Kuff, Eeeve and nest ... ... ... ... „ 125 Arctic Terns and nest ... ... ... „ 142 Common Gulls, nest and nestlings „ 164 Golden Eagles (Immature) „ 199 Gadwall ... 200 VI. INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION. This volume is a reprint of the late Mr. E. T. Booth's " Descriptive Catalogue," with a few additions, including the illustrations, the " History of the Collec- tion " (page viii.), the references to Mr. Booth's " Eough Notes," a description of additional cases subsequent to No. 306, and an Index (page 211). Alterations in, and additions to the Catalogue as originally printed, were made from time to time by the late Mr. Booth, being printed on slips and pasted in such of the copies as remained unsold. These are embodied in this reprint. All the additions now made for the first time are distinguished by .the type used in this paragraph. The Editor has to thank Mr. Murray, the Custodian, for much valuable help in the preparation of this edition, in which he has shewn the same interest that he takes in everything relating to the safety and care of the collection. The -editor is responsible for one only of the illustrations in the book. A. F. GRIFFITH. Brighton, 1896. Vll. MR. E. T. BOOTH'S INTRODUCTION to the FIRST EDITION (1876). As a Catalogue does not need a Preface, I will simply state, by way of introduction, that all scientific arrangement has been given up as hopeless in a collection where the chief object has been to endeavour to represent the birds in situations somewhat similar to those in which they were obtained; many of the cases, indeed, being copied from sketches taken on the actual spots where the birds themselves were shot. The few notes and facts I have recorded are solely the result of personal observation, and with two or three exceptions (all noted) not a book of reference has been opened. Those who expect to find a long list of rarities will, I am afraid, be sadly disappointed, as, in order to avoid exhibiting or describing a specimen with which I was only acquainted by hearsay, I have restricted the collection entirely to birds that have fallen to my own gun, during various excursions in the British Islands. Vlll. HISTORY OF THE COLLECTION. collection of birds bequeathed to the town of Brighton by the late Mr. Edward Thomas Booth is unique in two respects. No bird which was not obtained by Mr. Booth himself was allowed to form part of the collection, and every case is so fitted up as to represent as far as possible the birds in their natural condition with natural surroundings. Mr. Booth was born at Chalfont St. Giles, Buckingham- shire, on the 2nd June, 1840. He was first sent to a private school at Brighton, and afterwards to Harrow, where he entered Dr. Vaughan's house in May, 1854, leaving in 1860 to go up to Trinity College, Cambridge. His father, Mr. Edward Booth, a gentleman of independent means at St. Leonards, and his mother, one of the well-known family of Beaumonts of Northumberland, left him as their only child well supplied with means, which he used lavishly in following his favourite pursuit of collecting birds. Kent, the bird stuffer and barber at St. Leonards, first taught him how to stuff and case his birds, and from the very commencement his ideal was to form a collection of birds set up in accord- ance with their natural surroundings ; an ideal which he was afterwards able to reduce into actual practice, thus being the first to exhibit not merely a collection of stuffed birds, but rather a true representation of bird life and haunts ; an example which the liberality of other lovers of birds has enabled the authorities of the Natural History Museum at South Kensington to worthily imitate. His early hunting grounds were the marshes near Eye, which in those days were comparatively little disturbed. But he soon extended his range to the Broads of Norfolk, the Highlands and sea lochs of Scotland and other favourite resorts of birds. Some idea of the closeness of his powers of observation can be obtained by reading this volume ; but in his so-called " Eough Notes," a work which he revelled in, one is equally delighted with the freshness of the letterpress and the wealth and beauty of the illustrations. In fact, he THE LATE MR. E. T. BOOTH IX. never grudged either trouble or expense in connection with birds, whether to obtain specimens, to set them up when obtained, or to illustrate them and describe their habits. Those who have had the pleasure of talking over his exploits with him and his companions, such as Mr. McKenzie of the Lews, " Tubby " and the other fenmen on the Broads, and the Yarmouth fishermen with whom he spent weeks at a time in pursuit of skuas on the fishing banks in the North Sea, wild fowl in the marshes, eagles and other birds of prey in the Highlands and Islands, are not likely to forget the eagerness with which every chance was followed up regard- less of repeated failures. Looking through his memorandum books (very few of which unfortunately still exist) one recognises afresh what an immense amount of labour and disappointment he had to put up with in order to win the successes which usually came to him in the end. He came to live in Brighton about 1865, and gradually increased his collections, filling up room after room in his private house ; till in 1874, having determined to erect a suitable Museum, he acquired the property on the Dyke Koad and built himself a house there with the Museum almost adjoining. This building is as unique as the collec- tion which it contains. Its position was chosen on the dry airy hill outside the town expressly for the purpose it fulfils. It was designed with the object of combining the requisite light, airiness and freedom from damp and dust, without which a collection cannot be properly seen or safely preserved, and the result fully satisfied him and justifies his care. » He died on the 8th February, 1890, leaving no children ; and by his will gave the Museum and collection to the Corporation of Brighton " on the express understanding that they would not alter the interior of the cases, and that they would take the same care of them as he had hitherto done." Shortly after his death his widow added to the completeness of the collection by presenting the gunning punt, a collection of guns, rifles and shooting gear, and the part of her husband's library which related to Natural History, together with a large number of valuable specimens of birds left .uncased by her husband. X. Cases No. 1 to 308 inclusive were set up under Mr. Booth's personal superintendence. The other cases have been added since his death. Many of the localities for residents mentioned in the " Descriptive Catalogue " cannot be relied on, the true localities being purposely suppressed by him. But it is believed that he invariably named a locality in the same county as the actual one. In 1893 it was decided to continue the collection in accordance with the following scheme, which was duly approved by the Town Council : — I. Acquisition of Specimens. A. There are several valuable unmounted specimens belonging to the late Mr. Booth's collection which should be cased. They comprise seven additional species or sub-species. ./>. In addition to this, it is hoped that collectors will from time to time make gifts of British-killed birds to the Museum. C. Any rare specimens not already represented in the collection and obtained in Britain, and especially in Sussex, should be acquired by purchase as opportunities occur. II. Exhibition of Specimens. As the specimens are cased they are to be exhibited along the middle of the Museum in such a way as not to interfere with the general surveillance of the room by the Curator. In accordance with this scheme several new cases have been completed or are in hand. A large show case has also been provided to hold the uncased specimens. Many of the specimens are figured in the " Kough Notes." A reference to these figures is given in the following pages. The order of a few of the cases has been re-arranged, so as to bring together closely allied species wherever it is found practicable. The fact of the cases being of four different sizes, which must each be arranged together, prevents any more complete classification of the contents of the Museum. To enable the old catalogues still to be used, a reference to the pages in the first edition is given on the lower right hand •corner of each case. XI. NOTE. — A number of specimens left uncased by Mr. Booth, and others since acquired, are placed in a large show- case at the end of the Museum, marked A. New cases, as they are prepared, are for the present marked alphabetically, and placed down the middle of the room. With these exceptions, all the cases are numbered consecutively, commencing at the north side of the entrance. Cases Nos. 1 to 308 inclusive were prepared under Mr. Booth's personal superintendence. The others have been added since his death. CATALOGUE. GOLDEN EAGLE.— (IMMATURE). Case 1. The specimens in this case (in conjunction with those in 306) show some of the various stages of plumage exhibited by this Eagle during its progress towards maturity. It is probable that birds of this species are five or six years old before they assume the full mature plumage. Golden Eagles vary considerably, but they should not, I imagine, be considered perfectly adult till all signs of white have disappeared from the tail, and also till the feathers on the legs have become a warm dark brown or rust colour. The two specimens on the right, a male and female, I should judge to be two years old, and the remaining bird, a male, in the last stage before assuming the perfect adult plumage. The birds were all trapped in the northern Highlands in the spring of 1878. See " Eouffh Notes," Vol. I., Plates 2 and 4. WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. Case 2. Though banished from numbers of eyries where it was formerly in the habit of breeding, the White- tailed Eagle still holds its own on the western Coast of Scotland. The male and female are here shown with their nest. The case is copied from a sketch made in the Hebrides. The female was shot and the male trapped within a few miles of the same spot in the spring of 1877. See " Kough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 5. SWIFT. Case 3. This is the last of the Swallow tribe to visit us in the spring, and the first to depart in the autumn. Swifts are generally supposed to nest in holes under the eaves of houses or churches, but where suitable places of this description are wanting, they do not hesitate to make use of fissures and cracks in the face of cliifs or precipices. The specimens in the case were obtained at the Crornarty Rocks, on the north-east coast of Scotland, in June, 1869. This bird and the House Martin are here found in great numbers during the summer. GOATSUCKER Case 4. The Goatsucker, or Fern Owl, though unknown to many from its nocturnal habits, is a common bird from north to south. I have noticed it as particularly numerous in Sussex, Norfolk and Ross-shire. It arrives in this country in May, and usually takes its departure as soon as the rough weather in the autumn commences. I have often at dusk seen several flying about the streets and round the chimneys, in towns on the southern and eastern coasts, during a gale of wind, previous to their departure. The nest is placed in an open spot on a heath or moor, or on the middle of a foot-track through a wood. The birds rest quietly on the ground by day, and as soon as dusk sets in commence their jarring note, from which they derive the name of Nightjar. Their food consists mainly of moths and night-flying insects. They have a most capacious mouth, and are provided with a serrated claw, which is supposed by country people to be intended for combing the scales or down of the moths from their whiskers. The birds were obtained on the Hill of Tarlogie, near Tain, in Ross-shire, in June, 1869. See " Rough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 28. SWALLOW. Case 5. There are several weeks in the spring during which Swallows may be daily observed landing on our shores. The first arrivals usually make their appearance early in April ; and as late as the 20th of May, when out in the Channel, I have met with hundreds still crossing. Should boisterous weather set in shortly after their arrival, they suffer greatly from the effects of the cold and wind. The weather in the second week in June, 1871, in the east of Norfolk, was unusually severe for that time of the year, and the unfortunate Swallows and Martins were seen in hundreds sheltering from the storm under the hedges and banks. I brought in several quite benumbed by cold, but after being placed in a warm room for some hours, they were enabled to fly off in search of food. Swallows and Martins may frequently be observed, when flying over a river or pond, dipping into the water to drink. This operation is generally easily effected. I, however, noticed several hundreds of these birds lose their lives in attempt- ing the same thing a few years back in the east of Sussex. The water had been drawn off from a large fish-pond, and although the surface still retained its usual appearance, it was in reality nothing more than a thick black mud of about the con- sistency of treacle. The old saying, that " one fool makes many," certainly referred to the poor Swallows, for no sooner had the wing of one unlucky bird been caught by the mud while skimming too closely over the surface, than the struggles of the sufferer brought scores to the spot, and within an hour or two the mud was dotted all over with hundreds of dead and dying victims. Some of those nearest the shore were reached with landing-nets, and after being cleansed from the mud in fresh water, and placed in the sun for a short time, were enabled to dry their feathers and make good their escape. A few Swallows frequently remain long after the main body have left our shores for a warmer climate. These, I believe, are for the most part young birds, either too backward or too weak to attempt the journey. They are occasionally noticed as late, as Christmas, if the weather continues open, but as they are generally lost sight of after a few days' frost, it may be supposed that they have at last succumbed to cold and hunger. The specimens in the case were obtained in Sussex, during the summer of 1870. GOLDEN PLOVER,— (SUMMER). Case 6. Golden Plovers, with black breasts, usually arrive at their breeding quarters in the Highlands at the end of April or the beginning of May ; the time, however, varies with the state of the weather. In the spring of 1867, they made their appearance rather early in the north-western part of Perthshire, and had taken up their summer quarters, when a heavy fall of snow again drove them south, and only about half a dozen pairs returned and nested on ground where hundreds are generally found. It is a wonder how the eggs and young in such exposed spots are enabled to withstand the effects of the frost and snow. I have frequently observed the newly-hatched young on the hills in close proximity to snow-drifts twenty or thirty feet deep. The bird is usually obtained in its finest plumage immediately it arrives at its breeding quarters ; soon after commencing nesting, white feathers begin to show among the black, and its handsome appearance is consequently spoiled. Like the Green Plover or Peewit, several pairs are commonly found nesting in company. When anyone approaches the neighbourhood of their nests, they show the greatest concern, never ceasing calling and flying round till the cause of their annoyance has disappeared. The specimens in the case were obtained in Glenlyon, in Perthshire, in the beginning of June, 1867. GOLDEN PLOVER— (AUTUMN). Case 7. This is the plumage in which the bird is best known to those living south of the Tweed. By the time the young are strong enough to leave the hills, the old birds have mostly assumed their autumn dress, and joining together in small flocks, they make their appearance on the shores of the Scotch firths. I have, however, occasionally met with specimens as late as the middle of September, which appeared, when on wing, to be almost in full summer plumage ; but if closely examined, it would be found that the black feathers in their breast were thickly interspersed with white. Some few young birds, singly or in small parties, occasionally wander as far south as Norfolk, or even Sussex, by September ; but being remark- ably tame, they generally fall victims to the first gunner they approach, being easily enticed within shot by an imitation of their own note, however badly executed. During severe weather, they may be found congregated^ to the number of several thousands, generally frequenting tidal mudbanks, and retiring at high water to the adjoining marshes. It is at this season, while feeding on the mud, that they occasionally offer chances of which the punt- gunners in the neighbourhood are not slow to avail themselves — as many as fifty, sixty, and seventy being frequently obtained at a shot. The specimens in the case were shot on Breydon mudflats, in September, 1871. SAND 'MARTIN— (IMMATURE). Case 8. During the early part of the autumn, large numbers of Sand Martins (mostly young) may be observed, particularly during wet weather, settled on the banks and among the reeds that surround * Those who have never examined any old works on fowling or gunning, may possibly not be aware that the sportsmen of former days had special terms for the flocks of every description of wildfowl, in the same manner as we speak of a covey of partridges, a bevy of quail, or a wisp of snipe. It used to be A congregation of Plover, A herd of Swan, &c., &c. Folkard on Wildfowling gives a full account on pages 5 and 6. the broads and large pieces of water in the eastern part of the island. The case is intended to represent the birds in such a position. The specimens were obtained near Shoreham, in Sussex, in September, 1875. WREN. Case 9. It is needless to say much about this familiar little bird. Jenny Wren is almost as well known as Cock Robin. It may possibly, however, have escaped the notice of some observers, that these little birds have a singular habit of roosting together in great numbers during cold weather. I have repeatedly counted as many as ten or a dozen, just at dusk, flying one after another into a hole in a haystack, or in the thatch of some out- building. The specimens in the case were obtained at Portslade, near Brighton, in June, 1874. SAND MARTIN.— (MATURE). Case 10. We frequently have severe weather in the spring after the arrival of this poor little traveller. The Sand Martin, however, appears to be a remarkably hardy bird, as I have sometimes noticed thousands huddled together on the reeds in the broads of our eastern counties during a snow- storm early in the spring, and apparently none the worse, should the sun break through on the follow- ing day. When I lived in Glenlyon, in Perthshire, I was surprised to notice one season that no Sand 8 Martins nested in the banks of an island in the Lyon, where I had observed them the previous year. We were, however, visited by a very high .flood in June, which completely covered the whole of the island, and caused considerable damage in the district by sweeping away both cattle and sheep. I well remember landing, with a cast of the phantom minnow, the carcase of a fine ram, which was coming down the river with the first of the spate as I was returning from fishing. The specimens in the case were obtained in Norfolk, in Mav, 1870. HOUSE MAKTIN.— (MATUKE). Case 11. To by far the greater number of the British public, Swallows, Swifts and Martins are generally known by the name of Swallows. Those, however, who take an interest in our small visitors may easily distinguish the little bird with blue-black plumage and broad white bar across the tail, and remember that scientific naturalists have bestowed on the tiny traveller the euphonious title of " Hirundo Urbica," while to humbler observers like ourselves it is simply known as the House Martin. Most people welcome the arrival of these familiar visitors, and afford them protection when nesting vunder the eaves of their houses. They will, how- ever, when taking a fancy to the corner of a window -frame, occasionally become a most persevering nuisance, insisting to fix their nursery, with all its accompanying dirt, to the glass of the window, even after receiving several forcible liints that the situation is unsuitable. Like all the rest of the family, they are not only perfectly harmless to gardeners and farmers, but they confer an inestimable boon on all, by ridding the air of millions of noxious insects. If any of our British birds require a law to protect them, there are none, in my opinion, more worthy of it than the Swallow tribe. It was lately stated in print that a certain firm of plumassiers had given out an order for a hundred dozen Swallows and Martins. Such wanton destruction of a useful bird ou^ht certainly, if possible, to be put a stop to. House Martins, although generally nesting, as their name implies, round the dwellings of man, may be occasionally found building amongst rocks and cliffs. The specimens in the case were taken, together with their nest, at the Cromarty Hocks, in July, 1869. DAKTFOKD WAEBLEE. Case 12. This is by no means an uncommon, though a decidedly local species. I have, however, only met with it in the south-eastern counties. During the summer, Dartford Warblers may generally be found in most of the large patches of furze that are scattered over the South Downs, though, being remarkably shy, they -are liable to escape observation, as, on the slightest sign of danger, they immediately seek the shelter of the bushes. In the winter they seem to be of a roving disposition, as I have met with them several times among the stunted thorn - bushes and straggling furze on the beach between Eastbourne and Pevensey, and when rabbit-shooting further inland, I have noticed them occasionally driven out by the beagles from cover, where no one would ever imagine they would be found. IO The nest is small, and very artfully concealed. If deprived of their first nest, one pair will continue attempting to rear a brood till late in the season, even after being robbed of three or four sets of eggs. They feed their young generally on the body of a largish yellow moth. I observed several pairs carrying a white substance in their mouths to their nests, which I could not make out, and on shooting one bird from each of two nests, I discovered that the food was identical in both cases. The wings of the moth had been removed, and I was not entomologist enough to name the species, but I observed that the birds hunted for their prey among the lower part of the stems of the furze. The specimens in the case were taken near Brighton, in July, 1869. PEEWIT. Case 13. This species is abundant in the British Islands from north to south, though its numbers would doubtless be far greater, were it not for the persecution it undergoes by being robbed of its eggs, which, unfortunately for the bird, have a great reputation as a dainty dish. In autumn and winter Peewits collect in large flocks, and make their appearance on the mudbanks in the neighbourhood of the coast. I do not know whether it is generally allowed that the numbers of our native birds are increased during the winter by arrivals from abroad ; I have, however, on two separate occasions observed large flocks in the North Sea, at a considerable distance from land, evidently making for some part of our eastern coast. The specimens in the case wrere obtained on Gullane Links, in East Lothian, in May, 1867. 1 1 GREY PLOVER.- (SPRING). Case 14. The specimens in the case shew the inter- mediate stage of the Grey Plover, between winter and summer plumage. They were obtained on Breydon mudflats early in May, 1873. GREY PLOVER.— (SUMMER). Case 15. At this season the Grey Plover is one of our handsomest birds. Large flocks are occasionally seen on our eastern coast during May, though the numbers that make their appearance are very uncertain. Their visits are only of short duration. After resting for an hour or two (should the wind be favourable) they mount high in the air and pursue their course, which is almost invariably north-east. SCANDINAVIAN ROCK PIPIT. Case 16. This bird has given rise to considerable discus- sion among scientific naturalists. In my humble opinion, however, it is only a northern form of our own Rock Pipit. Early in March I have shot several specimens, which plainly showed that its winter dress was identical with that bird, only a very few of the vinous feathers being visible at that time. As spring advances, the vinous tint gradually spreads over the whole of the breast, and the back of the head and neck becomes a bluish grey. In this plumage it may be found along the south coast from the second week in March till the latter part of April, usually frequenting the small 12 brackish pools near the sea beach ; in some seasons, though its numbers vary considerably, it is remark- ably plentiful between Brighton and Worthing. I have visited its favourite haunts on several occasions during the last three years that I have been on the south coast, but not a specimen have I met with. In March, 1871, I shot a single bird on the Norfolk coast, near Horsey. The specimens in the case were obtained partly at Portslade, in March, 1866, and the remainder near Shoreharn, in April, 1870. See "Kough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 31. MEADOW PIPIT. Case 17. This is one of the commonest of our British birds. Although several of these Titlarks remain with us through the winter, their numbers are con- siderably augmented by fresh arrivals in the spring. Any still foggy morning, from the middle of March till well on in April, they may be noticed landing on the south coast, singly and in small parties, from day- break till nine or ten o'clock. For a day or two they may be observed in numbers about the banks of streams and salt-water pools near the sea beach ; but with a change of weather, they soon proceed inland and scatter themselves over the country. About October, there seems to be a general movement of these birds along the south coast, their line of flight being from east to west ; but whether they are about to cross the Channel, or what the object of their flight may be, I am unable to say. The persecution that this unfortunate Pipit undergoes from the various smaller Hawks in the Highlands ought to tend to keep down their numbers. Merlins, Sparrow Hawks and Harriers all appear to have a special fancy for feeding their 13 young brood with this particular bird, as long as any are to be met with in their neighbourhood. The old birds, together with their young, were obtained between Shoreham and Worthing, on the coast of Sussex, in June, 1874. HOUSE MARTIN.— (IMMATURE). Case 18. This case, which represents the birds clinging to the face of a cliff, is copied from a sketch made under Tantallon Castle, on the coast of East Lothian. There are several ledges of rock along the shore between Seacliff and Canty Bay where House Martins may be found nesting every year. Their nests are, however, so much the colour of the rocks that it takes some time to discover their where- abouts. The specimens were obtained partly in August, 1874, in East Lothian, and the remainder in Sussex, in September, 1875. KOCK PIPIT. Case 19. This bird may be observed round our shores from north to south. As its name implies, it frequents cliffs and the precipitous rocks that over- hang the sea on many parts of the coast. It has a peculiar fancy for breeding on any small island in preference to the mainland. I have noticed this particularly the case at the " Ferns " and Bass Rock, together with all the islands in the Firth of Forth on the east coast, and on the numerous small patches of rock lying off the coast of Ross-shire and Sutherland on the west. The case is copied from a sketch made on the H Bass ; the nest was placed among some fallen stones in the passage leading through the Fortifications. Great numbers of these birds nest on the rock, generally among the buildings, or on the ledges on the south side. The specimens in the case were obtained at the Bass Rock, in May, 1867. TREE PIPIT. Case 20. This Pipit is only a summer visitor to our shores ; it may, however, be met with in most counties during the nesting season. Though possibly proceeding to the north of Scotland, I have never myself observed this bird beyond the Forest of Glenmore, in Inverness-shire, where in the summer of 1869 I found it breeding inconsider- able numbers. It has a pleasing note, and is known to bird- fanciers by the name of Singing Titlark. The specimens in the case were obtained near Brighton, in June, 1875. SEDGE WARBLER. Case 21. This lively little bird is found from north to south, wherever there are localities adapted to its habits. It seems as noisy and as much at home in the reeds round a Highland loch as it does when met with in the fens of Cambridge or the broads of Norfolk. The nest is generally placed at no great distance from water, either among the roots of the sedges, on a rough bank, or against the stump of a tree. The specimens in the case, both old and young, were obtained near Heigham Sounds in Norfolk, in July, 1871. GREY PLOVER— (AUTUMN). Case 22. This case shows the immature birds on their first arrival in this country in the autumn, and also the winter plumage of the adult. The specimens were obtained on Breydon mudflats, in the autumn of 1872. GEASSHOPPER WARBLER. Case 23. Though frequently found in the neighbourhood of water, this Warbler is by no means so aquatic in its habits as the more common Reed and Sedge Warblers. Several pairs breed round most of the broads in the east of Norfolk, and I have also discovered their nests in hayfields and bramble- covered banks in the more southern counties. When shooting in the Nook, at Rye, in Sussex, early one morning in May, 1858, I found that the samphire and other small weeds that grow on the mudbanks completely swarmed with Grasshopper Warblers. They had evidently only just landed, and were on the point of making their way inland. There must have been several hundreds in a small patch of weed of a dozen or twenty acres. There were probably some other small birds of passage among them, but two shots which I fired into the weeds produced about half a dozen, all of which were of this species. I am unable to account for so many being found together, as I have noticed that our spring migrants arrive, for the most part, singly or in i6 small detached parties, large numbers seldom being observed flying in company. Though it is very difficult to catch a glimpse of them during the day, even near their nesting- quarters, they may generally be seen about daybreak singing on some high reed or branch of a tree. The slightest sign of danger, however, is sufficient to cause them to drop like a stone into the thick cover, where they quietly remain, creeping about like a mouse till the place is again quiet. One of the specimens in the case was shot near Brighton, in May, 1868 ; the other in the marshes near Hickling Broad, in Norfolk, in May, 1873. When breeding in the large tracts of furze on the Downs, this bird often chooses a thorn bush among the furze, on which it perches for hours, uttering almost continuously its peculiar note. In such positions it will allow one to creep quietly up to within a few feet of its perch, so that one can see its neck swelled and throbbing with the jarring sound. When collecting moths in the woods near Poynings, I have heard the birds jarring (an octave or so above the note of the Nightjar) without intermission till past one o'clock at night. I have also heard them at two o'clock in the morning, and have no doubt that the sound is often continued all night. — Ed. REED WARBLER. Case 24. Scientific naturalists declare we have in this country two distinct species of Reed Warblers, but whether this is the case or not, I leave to wiser heads than mine to decide. Wherever reeds are abundant this bird is sure to be met with, either along the banks of rivers and ponds, or in large beds such as are found in the neighbourhood of the broads of Norfolk and Suffolk and adjoining counties. The nest is usually attached to three or four stems of the reed ; and if rocking is a luxury to the young birds, they must, certainly during rough weather, have a particularly happy time of it, as their cradle sways backwards and forwards with every breath of wind. Like their neighbour, the Sedge Warbler, they are remarkably noisy, though not extremely melodious songsters. .During the day both species confine themselves to an occasional cackling note, evidently reserving their harmony for the evening concert, which usually commences as soon as the sun gets low. Hickling Broad, in the east of Norfolk, is one of the spots where this may be heard to perfection any fine evening in June. The din that is caused by several hundreds of these birds singing and chattering at the same time, together with the croaking of the frogs, the jarring of the night Hawks, and the drumming of the Snipes is perfectly deafening, and would never be credited by those who have not heard it. By about 11 p.m. the greater part of the performers are quiet, but the slightest sound, even the slushing of a large pike on the look-out for his supper, is enough to make them break out again in full chorus. During cold and stormy weather they remain remarkably silent, hardly a sound, except the occasional scream of a Coot or Moorhen, being heard through the swamps, to break the monotony of the sighing of the wind through the reed-beds and the splash of the rain in the open water. The old birds, with their young, were obtained on Heigham Sounds, in Norfolk, in June, 1871. BLACK CAP. Case 25. The Black Cap arrives in the spring, passes the summer in our plantations and gardens, and leaves in the autumn, soon after its young are sufficiently strong to provide for themselves. i8 It has been stated that a few remain through the winter in the western part of the island ; but I have never met with any at that season. The song of this bird is but little inferior to that of the Nightingale. The specimens, both old and young, were obtained at Portslade, near Brighton, in June, 1874. WRYNECK. Case 26. This is only a summer visitor, arriving early in April, and, after rearing its young, leaving us before the cold weather sets in. It is a well-known bird in most of the southern and midland counties, breeding frequently in fruit trees in gardens in the immediate vicinity of houses. In some parts it is known by the name of Cuckoo's Mate, its arrival being generally noticed shortly after that of the well-known harbinger of spring. Anyone who has watched one of these birds sunning itself on the limb of a tree, and remarked the curious contortions it indulges in, can scarcely fail to understand the reason the name of Wryneck is applied to it. The specimens in the case were obtained in the neighbourhood of Brighton, in May, 1866. GOLD CREST. Case 27. This bird is plentiful from north to south, occurring most frequently in the neighbourhood of large fir plantations. Though it remains with us as a resident throughout the year, I have noticed in several counties that fresh arrivals take place in the autumn, and such being the case, I suppose a corresponding number leave in the spring. 19 I have never myself met with this species while crossing the North Sea during the autumnal migration, but several fishermen (who knew the bird well) have assured me that scores have occasionally settled on their boats to rest ; one man in particular stating that they would roost all night in any shelter they could find, some creeping into the blocks, where, he remarked, they would remain " weeping all night," and in the morning would fly down and pick about on the corks and other portions of the nets that were out of water. As I discovered that they were known to the men by the name of Herring Spink, I was particular in inquiring whether they referred to the Chaffinch, but I found that they were all well acquainted with that bird also. I have, when cruising with the herring fleet in the North Sea during the autumn, generally noticed the Chaffinch as one of the most frequent visitors to the boats. Some of them appear much distressed by the journey, and after pecking about the deck for some time often go to sleep in an old fish-basket or any quiet corner they can find. The masters of most of the light-ships off the Norfolk and Lincolnshire coasts have for some time past very kindly been in the habit of keeping for me the right wing of all the birds that strike the lamps ; but, although I have examined thousands of these wings from time to time, I never saw but one belonging to the present species. During the autumn of 1863, 1 found early one morning a fir plantation, on the coast of East Lothian, almost covered with these birds ; there must have been scores on every tree for several acres. How such a gathering can be accounted for I am at a loss to judge, unless they had just crossed the sea from the north of Europe. I visited the same place the next day, provided with a good supply of dust shot, being determined to try and discover if any Fire Crests were 20 among their numbers, but the flock had entirely disappeared. The specimens in the case were obtained in the spring of 1869, in Tarlogie. Woods, near Tain, in Ross-shire. HEDGE-SPARROW. Case 28. This well-known bird is represented with its young brood. The fleshy substance round the beak of the young was carefully copied and coloured from a living " model." The specimens in the case were obtained near Brighton, in May, 1874. GREEN SANDPIPER. Case 29. It is only of late years that naturalists have been acquainted with the singular fact that this Sandpiper lays its eggs in the deserted nests of Wood-Pigeons, Thrushes and other birds, in the branches of trees at a considerable elevation from the ground. It is believed that a few pairs annually rear their young in the northern counties of England, though the greater number proceed to the north of Europe on the approach of summer. I have once or twice met with this species in winter; it is, however, most common in Great Britain during spring and autumn. The Green Sandpiper is at all times very diffi- cult to observe closely, taking wing on the slightest sign of danger, and generally flying to a consider- able distance. Two of the specimens in the case are old birds shot in the South Marshes, near Yarmouth, in 21 August, 1871 ; and the third is a young one killed near Hickling Broad, in July, 1873. WOOD SANDPIPER -(SUMMER). Case 30. The Wood Sandpiper is most frequently observed in the autumn. It is, however, occa- sionally met with in the spring and summer, and has once or twice been noticed breeding in the northern parts of the island. In June, 1867, 1 found a pair of these birds on Gullane Links, in East Lothian, and from their actions I have not the slighest doubt they were breeding close at hand ; but, one of them being accidentally killed, I was unable to discover their nest. The bird shot was a female, and had evidently been sitting. The specimens in the case were obtained on the marshes round Hickling Broad, in Norfolk, in May, 1870. WOOD SANDPIPER— (AUTUMN). Case 31. The immature birds of this species used to be plentiful in the marshes near Rye, in Sussex, some years ago ; but since the drainage of the ground and other alterations, they have never appeared in such numbers. They may, howrever, occasionally be seen in flocks in August and September in any flat marshy district, remaining sometimes for weeks, if not meeting with too warm a reception. I have never fallen in with this bird in the winter months. The specimens in the case were shot in the marshes between Rye and Winchelsea, in Sussex, in August, 1858. 22 BEARDED TITMOUSE.— (SUMMER). Case 32. The drainage of marshes and reclaiming of waste lands all over the country are banishing scores of our native birds from the strongholds they have held for ages. This handsome little bird, however, unlike some of the larger species, is at present in no danger of being entirely driven from our islands, as the more extensive broads and meres in the eastern counties offer them a safe retreat. The districts, however, that are suited to their habits are fast becoming much reduced ; several spots whore they were formerly common in Kent and Sussex having become completely changed by the new style of farming and other innovations. The never-failing persecution they suffer from dealers and collectors tends also to greatly restrict their numbers, The price of four shillings a dozen, which is offered for their eggs, induces the natives of those dreary wastes to search diligently, and but few of the first nests ever escape their sharp eyes. After the reeds get up to a certain height, it is more difficult to make out the whereabouts of the birds, and con- sequently the later broods escape. No one but a practised hand would ever discover the nests of this species. There are, however, in the fen and broad districts generally a class of men who make a living by egging, gunning and fishing. This occupa- tion seems to have been handed down from father to son, but I am afraid that, like many of the rarer denizens of the swamps, they will before long be either driven from their quarters, or forced to adopt a new style of life. The specimens in the case were obtained on Heigham Sounds, in Norfolk, in May, 1870. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I, Plate 23. . 23 WHITETHROAT. Case 33. These lively little migrants soon make their arrival known, by showing themselves singing and chattering on the top of the first hedge they reach after landing on our shores for their summer visit. They seem happy enough when they reach our coast, but I have noticed them very hard pressed during a fresh north-west wind in the Channel. They appear to fly low to escape the force of the wind, and this unfortunately leads to their being struck down by the spray, when some unusually heavy sea happens to break right in front of them. I believe that the smaller birds of passage seldom attempt to cross in the face of a gale, but that they will occasionally make a mistake in the weather I have good proof, as I have picked up several (particularly of this species) floating dead on the water, a few miles off the south coast. They are remarkably neat and handsome birds when they first arrive, but the cares of a family, together with the toil of providing for their wants, soon takes the gloss off their coats, and by the end of the summer they generally have a most ragged and disreputable appearance. The specimens in the case were obtained in the immediate neighbourhood of Brighton during the summer of 1870. The old birds are not the parents of the young, being shot earlier in the season. LESSER WHITETHROAT. Case 34. The Lesser Whitethroat is by no means so abundant as the Common. I have, however, noticed it in considerable numbers in the grass country about Harrow-on-the-Hill, in Middlesex. 24 On the south coast it shows itself most commonly early in the autumn ; it is then on the point of leaving us for the winter. The nest of this species is a particularly light and finely-interwoven structure, being just sufficiently strong to carry the weight of the young brood, and at the same time so slightly built as almost to give the impression of being old and deserted. The specimens in the case were taken in a clap-net close to Brighton, in August, 1869. WOODWREN. Case 35. The Wood wren is another summer visitor. I have noticed this bird as being particularly numerous in the wildest glens of Perthshire, Ross- shire, and Caithness. When observed in the south, in the neighbour- hood of Brighton, it appears to have a partiality for high trees, especially beech ; the fine old timber in Stanmer Park being one of the favourite haunts of this bird. In the north, however, it is forced to put up with the stunted birch and fir that alone appear to thrive in the rocky glens it frequents. The nest is placed on the ground, generally at no great distance from the roots of a tree. The specimens were obtained in Glenlyon, in Perthshire, in June, 1867. GARDEN WARBLER, Case 36. The Garden Warbler, like the Black Cap and Nightingale, is only a visitor to our shores, being found during summer in most of the English counties ; its unobtrusive habits and sober 25 colouring lead, however, to its frequently being overlooked. The specimens in the case were obtained in the neighbourhood of Brighton early in the autumn of 1869. • BEARDED TIT.— (IMMATURE). Case 37. The case represents the young birds as soon a they are full fledged. In this early stage it is easy to distinguish the males from the females, as the former have already assumed the orange-coloured beak, which always remains one of their dis- tinguishing points. The present specimens were obtained in September ; but young birds in this state of plum- age may frequently be seen by the middle of May, or even earlier. The Bearded Titmouse commences its nesting operations as early as the middle of March, and would in all probability rear two or three broods in a season if unmolested. The demand for eggs, however, is so great, that but few of the earlier nests escape. The specimens in the case were shot on Hick- ling Broad, in Norfolk, in September, 1872. See " Rough Notes," Vol. L, Plate 24 WILLOW WEEN. Case 38. This small migrant is widely distributed over the British Islands, being particularly numerous even to the north of Scotland, wherever there is sufficient vegetation in the various glens. The great similarity between this bird and the 26 Chiff-chaff leads many to confuse them. There is, however, a very marked difference in their song, in the position and construction of their nests, and also in the marking of their eggs. I have seen it stated that a Cuckoo's egg has been found in the nest of this species. It is, of course, well known that the Cuckoo occasionally carries its egg in its mouth, and is in that manner enabled to insert itin nests that would be unapproach- able to a bird of such size. I, however, am unable to understand how the young Cuckoo, when arrived at the proper age, would ever be enabled to make its exit from its nursery ; the aperture in the nest being constructed of size sufficient only to allow of the entry or departure of its rightful owner. I have noticed these birds very busy in gardens in July and August, pecking about under the leaves of the currant bushes, and discovered that they were making a wholesale clearance of the little green bugs that infest the plants at that season. The specimens in the case, together with the nest, were obtained in Glenlyon, in Perthshire, in June, 1867. See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 5. WHIMBREL. Case 39. A few pairs of these birds still breed in the wilder parts of the north of Scotland, and on some of the adjacent islands ; several of the localities, however, that they formerly resorted to are entirely deserted. During spring and autumn considerable flocks may be met with all round our coasts. The specimens in the case were shot at Rye, in Sussex, in May, 1862. '27 BEARDED TIT.— (WINTER). Case 40. In winter the Reed Pheasants* join in flocks, varying from three to four or ten or fifteen, and keep together till early in the spring. Though such delicate looking little birds, they are remarkably hardy, and seem able to contend against severe weather with greater success than many much larger and apparently stronger birds. "The specimens in the case were obtained in the reed beds round Heigham Sounds, in Norfolk, in December, 1871. RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Case 41. The Butcher-bird, as this species is more frequently styled in the south, arrives in the beginning of May, and, after rearing its young, departs early in the autumn. In some parts of Sussex, and also in the grass country in the neighbourhood of Harrow-on-the- Hill, a few miles north of London, this bird is particularly abundant. I have never myself observed them further north than Norfolk, though they occur in York- shire, and have at times, it is said, been met with in Scotland. They prey on beetles and other large insects, at times for convenience in feeding transfixing them on thorns in hedges. I once noticed a male flying with what appeared to be an old Yellowhammer in his claws ; though it is stated that the Shrike occasionally destroys young birds, I should hardly have imagined one capable of slaying a full- grown Yellow Bunting. * The Bearded Titmouse is known among the marshmen in the east of Norfolk by the name of Reed Pheasant. 28 The female and young were obtained at Potter Heigham, in Norfolk, in July, 1869 ; the male being killed in Sussex on his first arrival in May, at which season the plumage is always in its greatest perfection. CHIFF-CHAFF. Case 42. The Chiff-chaff is usually the first of the warblers to visit us in the spring. It spreads over the greater part of the country, and is said to be observed frequently in the north of Scotland. As many writers have recorded this fact, it is probably correct ; but I have myself been unable to detect any in the Highlands, though the Willow Wren and Wood Wren are particularly numerous even in the wildest glens. The eggs of these three small species of Leaf Warblers (as they are styled by some authors) are much more easily distinguished than the birds themselves. That of the Willow Warbler is, like the others, of a pinkish white ground, strongly blotched with red spots towards the longer end. The markings on the egg of the Chiff-chaff are of a claret colour, while the egg of the Wood Wren is thickly speckled with warm brown. The specimens in the case were obtained near Plumpton. in Sussex, in April, 1867. SPAKKOW HAWK. Case 43. I am afraid this Hawk has many enemies and but few friends. Those who take an interest in falconry often put in a plea for that still greater robber, the Peregrine ; bnt I never yet heard a word spoken in defence of the poor Sparrow Hawk. 29 That he is a bad character no one who has taken the trouble to watch his habits can deny. Gamekeepers often wrongfully accuse certain birds of carrying off the young pheasants from the coops during the breeding season ; but with regard to this hawk I always think that he fully deserves the bad name which he has acquired. This bird would, I should imagine, soon become a very numerous species, were it not so univers- ally killed down. It is seldom that a brood is allowed to fly on any ground where game is preserved, except where they owe their safety to the denseness of the timber or the laziness of the gamekeepers and trappers. The Sparrow Hawk is found all over the country, being most numerous in the neighbourhood of large woods. It generally makes use of the nest of the Crow or some other large bird in which to rear its ravenous brood. I have noticed in the Highlands that the young birds were frequently fed upon the Meadow Pipit, which is one of the commonest small birds in that part of the country during -the summer months. The specimens in the case, both old and young, were obtained near Lairg, in Sutherland, in June, 1868. The nest had been built and occupied by a pair of Grey Crows the previous year. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 14. CURLEW. Case 44. During the summer months these birds resort to the hills and moors/where, in company with the Red Grouse and Golden Plover, they rear their broods. In the autumn they may be found in flocks, sometimes feeding on the coast, and 30 occasionally on the stubbles and turnip fields. On the approach of winter they generally take up their quarters on the mudbanks in some tidal harbour, or on any extensive flats along the coast where they are free from persecution. If not frequently disturbed, they are by no means shy, but after a few shots they become one of the most wrary of birds, their well-known cry serving as a signal of danger to all the wildfowl within hearing distance. They are a first-rate bird for the table, particularly when a few severe frosts have taken down a little of the fat with which they are almost covered when they first arrive on the mudbanks. I have once or twice observed small flocks of young birds in the Nook, at Rye Harbour, in Sussex, as early as July ; but this, I should imagine, must be two or three months sooner than they are usually found so far south. As will be seen by the specimens in the case, the young, when first hatched, have only a short bill like a Plover. The old birds with their brood were obtained on the hills in Glenlyon, in Perthshire, in June, 1867. KINGFISHER Case 45. There is, unfortunately, a certain class of prowling gunners who never can resist a shot at this beautiful and harmless little bird ; beautiful it certainly is, though its beauty departs with its life, as the effigies one sees in the windows of the ordinary taxidermist are only a caricature of the living bird. The Kingfisher is well known to anglers as a sociable companion on the banks of the streams they both love so well. During the autumn I have in days gone by often noticed as many as forty or fifty of these birds fishing in the channels among the mudbanks in the Nook, at Eye, in Sussex. They used to com- mence working down the creeks soon after the turn of the tide, and closely following the falling water they found abundant food in the numerous shallow pools. About half-flood they used generally to make a move, flying up the creeks, and so on to the small drains that led through the marshes, and then dispersing themselves over the levels. I have occasionally observed a score or two fly past in small parties of threes and fours within a quarter of an hour while I was watching them from the shingle banks close at hand — one or two now and then steadying themselves for a moment, and then making a dash after a shrimp or small sea fish. Fifteen years make a difference in most things ; the mudbanks and creeks are certainly gone, and I expect the numerous parties of Kingfishers that frequented them remain only in the memory of those that have had the pleasure of watching them. The last time I visited the spot, some fine specimens of Southdown mutton were grazing stolidly and complacently on the luxuriant turf that had formed where previously hundreds of acres of mudbanks were covered by every flowing tide. I see that this habit of coming down to the salt water, and occasionally into the harbours, is common all along the south coast during the autumn. In the Broad districts in the eastern counties the birds are not nearly so common as might be expected. While Snipe shooting one winter round Hick- ling Broad, in Norfolk, I noticed some small object splashing in the water at the side of a dyke, and on proceeding to the spot I discovered an unfortunate Kingfisher that had come to grief in a rather singular- manner. The bird had evidently at some former time been struck by a shot, which had passed though the upper mandible. This wound was quite healed up, but a small piece of the horny substance of the beak had been splintered, and into the crack produced by the fracture, two or three of the fine fibres which form part of the flowers or seeds of the reed were so firmly fixed, that the bird was held fast. It must have been flying up the dyke, and, brushing too closely to the reeds that grew on the banks, been caught in the manner described. The struggles of the captive had broken down the reed, which was lying flat on the water, except when lifted up by the victim in his vain attempts to escape. On being cleared from his unpleasant position he flew off', apparently none the worse for the mishap. The specimens in the case were shot between Shoreham and Lancing, in Sussex, in January, 1871, the case itself being copied from a small sluice on the saltings in Shoreham Harbour. SHIELDEAKE. Case 46. The birds are abundant on many parts of the coast. They may be found as residents, however, more commonly in the northern than in the southern division of the island ; but in severe weather they are frequently driven from their usualliaunts, and make their appearance on any open water. In some quarters they are known as " Burrow Ducks," their name being derived from their habit of breeding in rabbit warrens, the nest being usually placed at a depth of four or five feet in the burrow. By the time the young are hatched, the parent birds (the females especially) generally present a very dirty and ragged appearance ; the confined 33 entrance and passage to their nursery most probably being the main cause of their threadbare condition. Most waterfowl conduct cheir newly-hatched young under the shelter of the reeds or long grass that may be found near at hand ; but this species, if not out at sea, may usually be observed with their brood on the open sands. The young birds, though seen in such a seem- ingly unprotected state, are by no means easily procured. On the first signs of danger they scatter in all directions, and each one taking a line for itself, it is seldom that more than one falls a victim to the pursuer. If surprised among the sandbanks and bent grass, the colour so resembles the surrounding objects that they may almost be trodden upon without being perceived. The male and female in the case were obtained just before the breeding season, being shot early in the spring of 1867, in Gullane Bay, in the Firth of Forth. The old birds belonging to the brood were killed, but the soiled condition of their feathers would only have given a very poor idea of what handsome birds they had been a few weeks earlier. The young were taken in Dornock Firth, in June, 1868. In the summer of i$93, I observed in a shallow rocky bay on the west coast of South Uist several adult birds of this species fishing at half-tide some two hundred yards from the shore. On approaching the water's edge, a single old bird swam off the rocks followed by over forty ducklings, and a moment or two afterwards a second old bird with a similar following appeared from behind another rock. These two must have been keeping a creche for the benefit of the rest.— Ed. MERLIN. Case 47. Immature birds of this species are frequently met with in the south, though the true home of 34 this dashing little hawk is evidently in the land of the heather and mist. They are said to be very destructive to game, and as such usually pay the penalty that the posses- sion of a bad name incurs. Whether it is that my own experience with regard to this bird has been too limited to form a correct judgment I am unable to say, but I hardly think that they are the desperate characters that they are generally described. Those which I have seen in the south were usually in pursuit of small birds, and while seeking this sort of prey they are frequently captured in the clap-nets that abound near Brighton. On the Grouse moors in the north I have examined the remains of the victims that they have consumed near their nests, and never found any- thing larger than a Dunlin, which bird, with Larks, Pipits, and large moths (principally of the Egger species), seemed to make up their bill of fare. Though frequenting most of the wild rocky glens in the Highlands, they seem to have a partiality for the more open moors, being particularly numerous in the flat parts of Sutherland and Caithness. The nest is generally placed amongst the heather on the ground in the open moor. The eggs in the case were, however, taken from the face of a rock overhanging a hill loch in Ross-shire. The female was shot, but, being a good deal injured was not retained ; while the male, falling winged among large stones, managed to make good his escape into some hole before I could reach the spot. While searching for him, I stumbled on one of the best concealed whisky stills I ever met with. It will certainly be a particularly cute exciseman that discovers its whereabouts without the help of previous information. The male bird in the case was trapped at a nest in Strathmore, in Caithness, in June, 1869, and the female shot in Sutherland the previous montdi. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 13. 35 KESTREL. Case 48. This is by far the most numerous of the Hawk tribe in Great Britain. Though not generally so regarded, it is one of our most useful birds, being a decided ally to both farmer and game preserver. I have been so frequently assured that Kestrels have been detected preying upon young game, that I suppose some misguided old bird must, when greatly pressed by the cares of provid- ing for a hungry brood, have snatched some precocious young pheasant from the neighbourhood of the coops, and, like many another poor bungling thief, been caught at the first attempt, while, the greater rogues go free. The rats alone that these birds destroy while procuring food for their young would commit ten times more damage in one year than the poor inoffensive Kestrels could possibly effect in their whole lives. This bird breeds in a variety of situations. In the south it may be found nesting in chalk pits and in the cliffs overhanging the sea. In the midland counties it will make use of any old deserted nest when other accommodation cannot be found ; and on the moors in the north the steep rocky faces of the numerous ravines and old ruined buildings are for the most part resorted to. In the summer of 1868, I found a brood of young Kestrels on a perfectly bare spot on an open moor in Sutherland, and in the following year I was shown three eggs on a shelf in a shepherd's shealing on Ben Alisky, in Caithness, which had only been deserted by its rightful owners the previous month ; the bird making its escape through a hole in the chimney while we were entering the building. The specimens in the case were obtained along the coast near Canty Bay, in East Lothian, in June, 1867. The case itself is copied from a Kestrel's nest in a rock overhanging the road between Kenlochewe and Gairloch, in Ross-shire. LONG-EASED OWL. Case 49. This species is common in most parts of the country, being found, however, to be more plenti- ful wherever there are fir plantations of any size. Unlike the Short-eared Owl, these birds are seldom seen by day. Soon after sunset they leave the shelter of the woods, and search the adjacent fields and hedge rows for their prey. When I lived in East Lothian, I used to observe these owls during the summer, coming regularly at dusk to the stacks for rats and mice, though the woods where they nested were at a distance of nearly two miles. The young birds have a particularly sad and plaintive whistle (something resembling a deep- drawn sigh), when calling for their food. Where there are several broods in the same plantation, the effect of their wailing cries is anything but lively, when listened to on a still night in the gloomy depths of the pine woods ; the mournful notes breaking out first on one side, then on another, and finally being answered from all quarters at once. This species ocpasionally preys upon young birds. I one evening noticed a Long-eared Owl making several visits to a boat- shed on one of the broads in Norfolk, and on examining the place the next morning, I discovered that a brood of young swallows had disappeared during the night. The specimens in the case were obtained in the neighbourhood of Norwich, in June, 1871. See " Itough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 20. SHORT-EAKED OWL. Case 50. These birds are permanent residents in many parts of the island, but numbers of fresh arrivals make their appearance in the autumn, usually showing themselves about the same time as the first flights of Woodcocks in the eastern counties ; and this fact, together with their somewhat similar flight, has led to their being called in some districts the " Woodcock Owl." This species appears capable of taking its prey by day as well as night. I have often noticed several of these birds hunting over the marshes in Norfolk while the sun was up, and during dull weather they all seem out in search of food by 3 p.m. They confine themselves entirely to the ground, breeding amongst the heather on the open moors of Scotland, and in the southern counties frequenting the rush marshes and other waste lands. On their first arrival in the autumn they are not unfrequently flushed from turnip fields, occasionally being found in such situations in con- siderable numbers. The specimens in the case were obtained in the Hickling Marshes, in Norfolk, in December, 1871. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I, Plates 18 and 19. WILD DUCK. Case 51. Though not so numerous as some species of our British wildfowl, the Wild Duck is by far the most generally known, occurring at various seasons in all parts of the island. There have been several discussions in the sporting papers about the time that this bird 38 commences nesting, some of the dates given being a month or t\vo in advance of others. *CH There can, however, be little doubt that in some localities the birds pair and the eggs are laid considerably earlier than in others. Local naturalists frequently fancy that the habits of the birds all over the British Islands must be the same as they have observed in their own particular district. The Wild Duck and Wigeon are perhaps the best flavoured, and consequently the most sought after, of all our wild fowl, the only others that can compete with them being the Pintail, Teal and Pochard. Even if they frequent the sea during the day, they seldom acquire the fishy taste that is so common in some fowl. Towards night they are sure to make their way inland to the marshes and rivers for food. I often noticed, when in the south of Scotland, that these birds resorted to the potato fields in large flocks, remaining all night scattered over the ground, searching for the exposed roots, and leaving just before daybreak for the open sea. The male bird, though represented in the case as sunning himself on the bank in the society of his wife and family, is in reality but little given to a domestic life, usually leaving the brood to the care of the female, and seeking his own pleasures in company with two or three faithless husbands like himself. The female and young were obtained in Glenlyon in Perthshire in June, 1867, the male being killed earlier in the season. WIGEON. Case 52. Though it has been stated that this bird but rarely remains to breed in the British Islands, con- 39 siderable numbers usually rear their young in thred or four of the most northern counties of Scotland. When searching for the nests of other species, I have on one or two occasions stumbled by chance over ten or fifteen nests in one day, and this alone will show that the Wigeori remains with us in sufficient numbers to be styled a " resident." By the beginning of October immense flocks make their appearance on the north-east coast of Scotland : these are probably from the north of Europe. On their first arrival they are quite unsuspicious of danger, and hundreds fall victims to the numerous punt gunners, as many as forty, fifty, and occasionally sixty, being bagged at one discharge of the big gun. The warm reception they meet with soon drives the greater part of the birds south, and during the depth of the winter but few remain in the north. At this season they may be met with all round the coast, and on any large sheets of inland water that remain open. The young, in the downy state, have the same markings as the young of the Wild Duck, but the ground colour is a much warmer brown. The male and female were killed in the Dornoch Firth on the north-east coast of Scotland in April, 1869, and the nest and eggs were taken in Strathmore in Caithness the following month. OYSTER CATCHER. Case 53. The " Sea Pie," as this bird is sometimes called in the south, is only an occasional visitor to Sussex and the adjoining counties, but in the Channel Islands and again in Scotland it may be found at all seasons as a resident. The Scotch name of " Mussel Pecker " seems much more appropriate to this bird than that of 40 Oyster Catcher. It might possibly have a chance to make a meal off a few mussels by swallowing some of the smaller shells whole, like an Eider or a Herring Gull, but what use an oyster could possibly be to it I am at a loss to understand.^ These birds occasionally collect in immense flocks ; I have frequently found at least two or three thousand feeding together on the mudbanks at the Little Ferry, near Golspie in Sutherland. From never having been disturbed they were perfectly fearless, and would not take the slightest notice of a boat, allowing us to scull past in the punt within five or ten yards, while in pursuit of other fowl. Being of little or no use, I never tried a shot at them with the big gun, though, had I been so inclined, I might easily have bagged from 150 to 200 at a shot. The Oyster Catcher chooses a variety of situations for breeding purposes. At the Fern Islands it lays its eggs on the shingle and sand at a short distance above high-water mark. On several of the Scotch rivers such as the Spey or the Tay it nests amongst the rough stones that form the banks of the river, while in some districts in the Highlands it chooses any open spot in either a potato or oat field where, until the crops get up, it sits plainly in view of everyone that passes within a mile of the spot. I have also seen its eggs on some of the large detached rocks that are found off the west coast of Ross and Sutherland. The specimens in the case were obtained on the banks of the Lyon in Perthshire in June, 1867. * I have been informed that it frequently crushes the shells of the mussels, and extracting the fish, leaves the fragments scattered over the rocks ; and this information is given as an irresistible proof of the strength of its beak. BAKN OWL. Case 54. This useful bird is so generally distributed and so universally well known, that any remarks I could make on its habits would be superfluous. The male, female and brood were obtained in the neighbourhood of Brighton in June, 1872. The case is copied from the bell tower of Chiltington Church near Plumpton in Sussex. See " Hough Notes," Vol. I, Plate 21. TAWNY OWL. Case 55. Though by no means an uncommon, this is rather a local species. As its name of Wood Owl denotes, it frequents those parts of the country that are most densely timbered. It usually nests in a hole in a hollow tree, or in the deserted nest of some other bird, but has in a few instances been discovered breeding in a rabbit burrow. Like all the rest of the family it is a most useful bird, but unfortunately does not generally meet with the protection it so well deserves. The specimens in the case were obtained near Balcombe in Sussex in June, 1875. NORFOLK PLOVER Case 56. The true home of this bird in the British Islands is, as its name denotes, in the eastern counties. On the large warrens in the neighbour- hood of Thetford and other parts of Norfolk it breeds abundantly. On the range of the South Downs in Sussex, from above Worthing to Newhaven, it is also by no 42 means scarce, being perhaps most plentiful on the hills between Brighton and Lewes. I noticed that all the nests I have discovered in Sussex have been placed on slopes of the downs that faced either south or west. I have never met with this bird during the winter, though I have heard of their being occasionally flushed from the turnip-fields late in the autumn, and it is most probable that they leave the country on the approach of cold weather.* I believe it has been stated by most naturalists that the male and female are alike. This is certainly true as regards the plumage, but, as will be seen be seen by the specimens in the case, the male has a knob of about the size of two peas on the base of the beak, which easily distinguishes him from his mate. We are likewise informed that incubation lasts sixteen or seventeen days, but I am afraid that the patience of the birds will have to be taxed for about five days longer before their downy progeny breaks the shell. The male, female, and eggs are from the hills between Brighton and Lewes, and were obtained in June, 1872. The case is a correct representation of a nest found near Falmer, every stone and stem of furze being brought from the identical spot. See "Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 13. GAKGANEY. Case 57. This beautiful little Duck is only a summer visitor to Great Britain. * I was previously unaware that this Plover was found in Sussex during the winter ; but to-day (January 25th, 1876) J was informed by a shepherd near Brighton, who knows the bird well, that he had just seen five flying together. 43 It is far from uncommon in Norfolk and Suffolk, arriving about the latter end of March or beginning of April. Several pairs usually nest in the reed beds and rough marshes in the neigh- bourhood of Hickling Broad. The young in their first plumage are by no means unlike the Common Teal of the same age, but the pale blue feathers on the wing at once indicate their species. The specimens in the case were shot on Hickling Broad in Norfolk in May, 1870. TEAL. Case 58. The Teal is one of our commonest ducks, numbers remaining with us all the year round to rear their young, and large flocks arriving from the Continent in the winter, generally making their appearance a day or two before we are visited by severe weather. They are usually unsuspicious of danger, but, like all wildfowl, they have their restless moods, and when this is the case it is almost impossible to approach within gunshot of them. The female and brood were obtained on a hill loch in the west of Ross-shire in May, 1868 ; the male being killed near Bonner Bridge earlier in the season. CUCKOO.— (IMMATURE). Case 59. In this case the young bird is represented as being fed by its foster-parent, the Titlark or Meadow Pipit. 44 The specimens were obtained on the hills near Lewes in Sussex, in June, 1874. See "Bough Notes," Vol. L, Plate 27. CUCKOO.— (MATURE). Case 60. The Cuckoo, as most people are aware, is only a summer visitor to Great Britain, its arrival being eagerly looked for as one of the signs of approach- ing spring. It is common all over the country, its well- known note being heard as frequently on the wild moors of Sutherland as on the furze-covered Downs of Sussex. Its curious habit of entrusting its egg to the care of other species is so generally known as to need but a passing mention. A long list of these foster-parents is given by many authors, the commonest being in my opinion the Meadow Pipit, Wagtail, and Eeed Warbler. In some districts the natives have an idea that during the winter this bird turns into a Hawk. I have been gravely assured that specimens showing the change have been frequently obtained, only unfortunately not preserved. The specimens in the case were shot on the Downs near Brighton in May, 1870. BUZZARD.— (IMMATURE. ) Case 61. The young Buzzards, as soon as they leave the care of the parent birds, are remarkably unsuspicious of danger, and are nearly certain to fall victims to the first trap that comes in their way. 45 When living in the west of Perthshire I noticed one autumn during the early part of September two or three of these birds frequented the face of a steep hill ; and, setting a trap on a cairn* built up for the purpose, I took within twenty-four hours three young Buzzards, a Cat, and a Stoat. The specimens in the case, which are two of the above-mentioned birds, were taken in Glenlyon in Perthshire in September, 1865. See " Kough Notes/' Vol. L, Plate 7. HEN HARRIER. Case 62. This bird (which is considered to be a con- necting link between the Hawks and Owls) is common on the flat moors in the centre and east of Sutherland, and also over the greater part of Caithness. It may, in like manner, be met with scattered over the country wherever there are large open heaths or furze-covered downs. On two or three occasions I have found its nest in the rushy marshes in the neighbourhood of the broads in the east of Norfolk. As is the case with other species, the immature birds seem to wander more readily from their usual haunts than adults, and are not mifrequently obtained in Sussex and the adjoining counties. It is said to be very destructive to game, but my own observations would lead me to believe that it preys more on small vermin and birds of about the size of the Titlark than on anything larger. In the summer of 1869, while walking over a moor in the east of Sutherland, I disturbed a Rin^- * A pile of loose stoues. 46 tail (the female of the Hen Harrier is known by this name) from her nest, which contained one young one just out of the shell and five eggs on the point of hatching. As both the old biids were flying round in a state of great consternation, I sat down to watch their actions for a few minutes. On rising to leave the spot I discovered I had laid my gun on the back of an old Grey Hen, who now got up from her nest, in which were three fresh-laid eggs, evidently showing that she herself had chosen this apparently dangerous locality for her nursery, as the Harrier's nest was within six or seven paces. This is not the only instance I have met with of game and birds of prey being found in close proximity. As will be seen by the specimens in the case, the eye of the male is a bright yellow ; of the female a warm brown ; and in the young a pale blue. When first I found this nest it contained five eggs, but on visiting it a fortnight later there was only a single young bird ; either the eggs or young having been carried off by some Grey Crows, which were breeding in a steep rock at no great distance. The whole family were obtained on a moor in the west of Caithness in June, 1868. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 15. MARSH HARRIERS.— (IMMATURE). Case 63. I have never to my knowledge seen the adult Marsh Harrier in a wild state. Immature birds may, however, be observed commonly in the autumn, hunting over the rough marshes and reed-beds that surround the broads in Norfolk and Suffolk. 47 They appear to prey upon small reptiles and wounded fowl that have escaped from the gun and crawled in among the rushes to die. The specimen in the case was shot in the Potter Heigham marshes in the east of Norfolk in the autumn of 1871. SPOONBILL. Case 64. Most old gunners can remember the time when flocks of these birds were common every spring in the marshes and on the mudbanks round our coasts. A few, however, still make their appearance nearly every season about the middle of May along the flat country between the mouths of the Humber and the Thames. A Spoonbill, when pitched by itself on a mudbank where food is plentiful, is generally easily approached within gunshot ; but its unusual appearance seems to so excite any Gulls that are near at hand, that they immediately commence flying and screaming round the stranger, and never cease their clamour till they have driven it out of their sight. The male bird in the case had frequented Breydon mudflats for a week or ten days, feeding whenever he could get a chance, but had been so persecuted that he never had time to settle for more than a few minutes before he was compelled to quit the spot. It was only by waiting near his accustomed feeding-ground just at daybreak that I was enabled to get a shot at him. It is stated that many years ago they bred in Norfolk, nesting on the tops of trees in the same manner as the Heron. 48 The specimens in the case were both shot on Breydon mudflats near Yarmouth — the female in May, 1871, the male in May, 1873. See " Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 16. MONTAGU'S HARRIER. Case 65. This species used to breed commonly in the fens and broads of the eastern counties. It still occurs and breeds occasionally on the Sussex Downs, in Dorsetshire and elsewhere. It has not been obtained from the north of Scotland, but eggs which are undoubtedly referable to the present species were taken in Sutherlandshire by Mr. Purvis about the year 1880. The specimens in the case were obtained in East Norfolk, near Horsey, on July 3rd, 1883. A third young bird, which died almost as soon as it hatched, is preserved in Case A. See " Bough Notes," Vol. I., Plates 16 and 17 and woodcut. N.B. — This case was prepared by Mr. Booth, hut was not noticed in his " Descriptive Catalogue." BUZZARD— (MATURE). Case 66. The Buzzard is always a lazy indolent bird, seldom striking any prey for itself which requires more exertion to capture than a half- grown rabbit or hare ; usually preferring to feed on wounded game or those that are diseased and weakly. When seen at a distance on the wring, it bears a striking resemblance to the Eagle in miniature. It was formerly much more abundant ; but since the rage for game-preserving on an extensive scale has set in, its sluggish habits and manner of feeding has rendered it an easy victim to the trapper, and it is gradually becoming a scarce bird. 49 The specimens with their nest and eggs were obtained among the hills near Kenlochewe, in the west of Ross-shire, in May, 1868. See " Hough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 8. HERON. Case 67. Formerly at the head of the game list the Heron, since the decline of hawking, has fallen from its proud estate, and at the present day is but little esteemed by any save plumassiers. It usually nests in trees in smaller or larger communities known by the name of " Heronries." The sketch from which the case is copied was taken at the Cromarty Rocks, on the north-east coast of Scotland, where some hundreds of these birds construct their nests in the ivy-covered face of the cliffs. I am not acquainted with more than one or two other localities in the British Islands where Herons build in similar situations. A few pairs, however, generally rear their young on a steep hill-side above an almost inaccessible loch in the Western Highlands. The specimens in the case were obtained at the Cairn Rhui on the north part of the Cromarty Rocks, in May, 1869. See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 15. BLACK GROUSE. Case 68. Though a few of these fine birds are still to be met with even in the most southern counties, we must cross the Tweed before we can observe them in their true home. During August the young Black Game are 50 usually so tame as to afford little or no sport. By November, however, when they have gained both strength and experience, it will, on most moors, need hard work to fill a bag without having recourse to driving. I have occasionally seen them during a severe snowstorm at the end of the season so cut up by the weather that they would sit huddled up in the birch trees and allow themselves to be shot on their perches, if anyone were inclined to take such an unsportsmanlike advantage of them. On clear still mornings during the latter part of the winter and early spring the oldest and finest birds usually collect on some open spot just after daybreak and go through a regular performance ; but whether it be fighting or playing I am unable to say. I have frequently watched them from a distance ; but on one occasion, having noticed that they had for a day or two held their meetings on the brow of a hill where I could get a good hiding place, I resolved to make an attempt to witness the whole of their proceedings. Accordingly I arrived at the spot an hour before daybreak, and, creeping into a regular nest of rugs and plaids which the keepers arranged for me, I was covered well over with dry heather and brakes, and finally sprinkled with snow. I then sent the men away and quietly awaited the performance. Almost simultaneously with the first streak of light in the east I heard a rush of wings ; and an old cock, passing within a few feet of my head, settled on the open space about twenty yards in front of me. For full ten minutes there were no other arrivals, and I began to fear that another spot had been chosen for that day's amusements. Suddenly three or four more appeared on the scene, having probably quietly alighted on the other side of the brae. For a few moments they remained silently watching one another, apparently waiting for a signal from the leader. I next caught sight of two or three small parties flying high in the air direct from the hills on the opposite side of a steep burn. After circling once round the spot, they alighted lower down on the hill, and some of them, principally grey hens, remained where they were; while the males gradually ascended the rising ground, picking their way with the greatest care, carrying their tails high over their backs, either to show themselves to the greatest advantage or to avoid contact with the frost and snow. These were speedily followed by others, and they kept on gathering till between thirty and forty were collected in a kind of irregular circle. The old cock who, had first appeared, and who was evidently looked upon as the master of the ceremonies, now advanced into the centre of the arena ; his comb was elevated, his wings drooped, his tail curled over his back, and every feather— even down to his toes — was spread to its fullest extent. After bowing all round, and apparently being satisfied that no one wished to dispute his title to be considered the greatest swell present, he proceeded to execute a kind of pas seul, which seemed to consist of a double shuffle, hop, skip and a jump, and was concluded by an almost complete somersault. Four others then advanced towards the open ground, two coming from either side. These went through something like a set figure ; advanced, bowed, turned round, jumped over one another's heads, turned round, bowed again, and then retired. Several more then joined in the performances ; and the proceedings were brought to a satisfactory termination by the whole of the actors advancing, 52 bowing, passing one another, turning round, bowing again, and then separating. After this they broke up into small parties and dispersed themselves over the ground. There was little or no real fighting ; but this may possibly be accounted for, as it was only about the middle of December, and I believe the fiercest battles are usually stated to take place in the spring. I have occasionally noticed gatherings on a smaller scale in the evening. The specimens in the case were shot on the Innerwick Moors in Glenlyon in Perthshire in December, 1867. See « Hough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 8. BITTERN.' Case 69. A few of these birds still visit us during the winter, generally arriving with a frost and easterly wind from the coast of Holland. Though formerly breeding abundantly in the extensive reed-beds and swamps that were in those days common in our eastern counties, it is now some years since a nest has been discovered in any part of our island ; the last authenticated eggs, I believe, being taken at Upton Car near Acle in Norfolk. The greater facilities for the drainage of the marshes since the introduction of steam water-mills have, together with the rage for reclaiming waste lands, gradually assisted to restrict their haunts, and thereby render those that visit our shores more accessible to the gunners, who are always on the track of any storm-driven stranger that makes his appearance. Three of these birds frequented the neighbour- hood of Hickling Broad and Heigham Sounds for 53 about a week in July, 1873. They were several times put up by the marsh-men while going to and returning from their work, but managed to evade all dangers and leave the country of their own free will. The specimen in the case was shot in one of the reed-beds surrounding Hickling Broad in Norfolk in December, 1871. WHITE STORK. Case 70. I suppose it is best to tell the truth at once and confess that my knowledge of the above species (from personal observation) is confined to the single individual in the case. This bird had, I believe, been noticed for some days in Suffolk before he made his appearance in Norfolk. I first received word of his arrival from a carrier, who, while on the road from Yarmouth to Hickling, observed him fly in from the sea and pitch in the marshes near the coast. Here he was speedily discovered by some Peewits and E/ooks and after continued buffe tings driven further inland. On searching the ground on the following day, I met with no success. A week later, however, I saw him rise from a marsh at Potter Heigham and attack a Heron that was attempting to settle near his quarters. As he pitched in a reed-bed close to a dike I had not the slightest difficulty in approach- ing within gun-shot. Although he had been (as I afterwards learned) for a couple of days in a country abound- ing ,witn frogs and other suitable food, there was. nothing except a few large spiders in the stomach. The Hickling keeper, who had shot one about thirty years previously, informed me that it had been feeding voraciously on young pike wrhich it had captured on some flooded marshes. > 54 The specimen was shot on Rush Hills near Potter Heigham in Norfolk in June, 1873. RED GROUSE.— (WINTER). Case 71. This case is exhibited to show the plumage of the old male Grouse during winter and early spring. Some specimens are much more strongly marked with white than others. The birds were shot in Glenlyon in Perthshire during the winter of 1865. See " Eough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 9. CAPERCAILLIE. Case 72. Though thoroughly naturalized by a residence of many years the present stock of this magnificent Grouse is only an importation from the North of Europe. Strath Glass and the adjacent glens are said to have been the last strongholds of the native breed ; and to those who are acquainted with the immense fir woods that cover the sides of some of the rugged hills in these localities the cause of their disappearance must for ever be a mystery. The specimens were shot in Perthshire in 1878. See "Eough Notes," Vol. IL, Plate 7. CORMORANT.- -(MATURE). Case 73. These birds are common round many parts of the coast and occasionally make their appearance on inland waters. They seem to have a partiality for resting on 55 elevated spots such as detached rocks or beacons at sea, stakes and posts that mark the channel in muddy rivers or fresh -water lakes, and dead trees. I noticed an immature bird of this species settle on the gilt cock that formed the vane on the top of the Town Hall at Tain in Ross-shire a few minutes before seven one evening in September, 1869. This was a most unpleasantly shaped perch, and the bird had the 'greatest difficulty in steadying itself ; the clock striking the hour of seven disturbed it for a few minutes, but returning again it managed after two or three attempts to regain its former position. Here it remained, evidently very uncom- fortable, till fired at from the centre of the High Street and put to flight. I have early in the spring met with a few of these birds with perfectly milk-white necks, but (though nearly losing the punt on one occasion in a vain attempt) I never succeeded in obtaining a specimen in that state of plumage. The white feathers must, I should imagine, be either shed or change colour before the breeding season, as I never noticed Cormorants with their necks marked in this manner at any of their nesting stations. They breed in the face of high rocks and cliffs, and at times on low islands, where their nests are only elevated a few feet above high-water mark. Among the sticks and other litter which they make use of for building I have seen children's whips and spades, a gentleman's light cane, and part of the handle of a parasol, all of which I suppose the birds ^ had picked up floating at sea. The specimens in the case were shot at the rocks under Sneaton Castle, a few miles north of Whitby in Yorkshire in May, 1862. The nest and eggs were taken at the Fern Islands off the coast of Northumberland in June, 1867. 56 PTARMIGAN.— (SUMMER). Case 74. Although it may possibly be regarded as improper to exhibit a game bird shot during the breeding season, I hope that my attempt to show the Ptarmigan in its nesting plumage, and so illustrate the three seasons of summer, autumn ^,nd winter, will be considered sufficient excuse for such an unsportsmanlike performance. It is only among the mists near the summits of the highest hills that its nest is to be found. Here, without a neighbour save the Dotterel, Snow Bunting, or Blue Hare, it passes the summer till driven by the storms to seek shelter from the winter blasts in the more sheltered corries at a lower elevation. It would soon become more numerous were it not for the tribute it is forced to pay to the mountain Fox and Haven. The eggs of this bird are by no means easily discovered. Though frequently searched for, I never had the luck to meet with a nest except by accident. At last, after many unsuccessful attempts, three nests were discovered within a few hundred yards of one another on the hills above Glenlyon, in the north-west of Perthshire. I had so many times gone over the ground within eight or ten miles of the Lodge without success that I at length determined to search the land belonging to some adjoining shootings over which I had liberty to hunt for any specimens I might require. Starting before daybreak, accompanied by one keeper and a gillie leading a pony with provisions and plaids in case we did not get back that night, I had by mid-day gone over several of the rough hills that lay between Loch Kannoch and the Lyon ; and after about ten hours' work without having started a single female, as heavy thunder was 57 rumbling away among the hills to the west and there appeared every indication of an approaching tempest, I had come to the conclusion that it would be the wisest plan to return home and renew our search in more favourable weather. While resting for a short time after lunch on the top of the hill before turning back, we were surprised by a shot, and on looking with the glasses far below us we could make out three men with about a dozen dogs trying to bolt a fox from a rough cairn of stones. We afterwards learned that although the foxes had been there very lately, as was clearly indicated by the remains of some fresh Grouse and Hares which the terriers dragged from the earth, none of the family were then at home. The shot had been fired at a young Eaven which had been hatched in the rocks above the fox cairn. The old birds were very noisy, but being too good judges of distance to venture within shot unfortunately escaped. Just then a fine cock Ptarmigan appeared on a large rock close by, and as he resolutely refused to leave the spot, running only a yard or two in advance of us when we approached him, we searched every inch of the ground, which was almost a mass of large stones, but without putting up the female, although by the actions of the male we were nearly certain she was close at hand. I also tried a brace of steady setters, which I had brought up as an experiment, though I had not much faith that they would be of any service. On returning to the lunching place we discovered the three men (whom we soon recognised as two keepers and a shepherd) coming in our direction. While they were making their way uphill the rain which had been threatening some time came down, the thunder becoming more distant ; the afternoon turned cold, a dense mist coming up with the wind. 58 On reaching us they were agreeably surprised to discover who we were, more particularly as they had neither meat nor drink with them, and needed but little pressing to commence operations on what we were able to provide them with. When they had satisfied their hunger, as I found they were anxious to have the assistance of an additional gun whilst trying another large cairn where they expected to find the cubs they had missed lowrer down the hill, I agreed to finish the day with them. As the top of the hill was nothing but rocks and stones piled one on the top of the other we were forced to leave the pony where we had lunched. Our course was now kept north, as the earth we wrere going to was on the Rannoch side of the hill. One hollow which we passed through seemed alive with Ptarmigan, the cocks were flying and croaking in all directions, but as no hens were started and the weather had turned thick and dark, \ve resolved to leave our search for nests till a finer day. On arriving at the fox cairn we found it bore no sign of having been used this season, and as it was now too late to try further, the terriers were coupled and we turned back. We had not gone more than one hundred yards when hearing a scuffle behind us we turned round and saw a hen Ptarmigan struggling in the mouth of one of the fox-terriers. On shouting to the dog the bird flew away none the worse excepting the loss of a few tail feathers. As we expected, the terrier had seized her on her nest which contained seven eggs. He had luckily only been able to catch hold of her tail, as the other terrier to which he was coupled was tugging in the opposite direction and had most probably so saved the life of the bird. As I required the female in the present state of plumage, we determined to retire to the shelter of a large 59 rock about two hundred yards off and await the return of the bird to her nest. I then sent off one of the men to the pony for what was left of our eatables and drinkables, and we made ourselves as comfortable as the circum- stances would permit. The head keeper, who had joined us, said he had observed our pony from the lower cairn, and thinking we were from the Eannoch side of the hill, he had come up to order us off the ground, for he had a great antipathy to the people who marched with him in that direction, as they frequently came on his side, of the hill and shot his hares and Ptarmigan. On the last occasion he had met with them about half a mile over the march, and after informing them that he had no desire to give them another day's shooting had sternly walked away refusing all manner of tempting liquors which had been pressed upon him. Poor old Sandy is gone, and I should be sorry to throw doubt on any of his statements, but still I can scarcely credit the latter part of his story, as Sandy dearly loved his native mountain dew. We had been rather more than an hour sitting under the shelter of the rock with all the dogs gathered round us, when a collie, which had been lying within a yard of my feet got up, shook the wet from his coat, and lay down again, this time changing his position by about a foot. He now chose the brown back of a female Ptarmigan to recline upon, which, causing a great flutter, startled the dog as much as the bird herself. On her flying off we discovered she had been sitting on eight eggs. The nest was within a couple of yards of the spot where we had sat for more than an hour, and it was a wonder, with so many dogs about, that some of them had not stumbled on her sooner. As this bird would be the most perfect, I determined to obtain her instead of the one which had been caught by the terrier. 6o It was now getting late, so after a parting glass the fox-hunters left us and proceeded home ; the head keeper kindly telling me I might shoot as many Ptarmigan (although, of course, out of season) as I wanted. I was not so much surprised at his generosity when I afterwards learned that we were at least half a mile on the ground of his Raimoch friend, to whom I am indebted for my case of Ptarmigan and nest. It had now become so thick and dark that I could hardly see a gunshot ahead of me. In order to give the female a chance to return to her nest I left the spot and went in search of a male. Though several were croaking in all directions, it was some time before I could get a shot. At last a chance presented itself at a bird flying past ; but as he went on out of sight, though evidently hard hit, I was just looking out for another, when I heard Donald, the keeper, who was some distance behind, shout out that he had the bird ; and on going up to him I found it had fallen dead within a few feet of the spot where he stood. Then cautiously approaching the last nest we discovered that the female had returned. She sat very close, and it was not till the keeper had put his hand under her and lifted her up that she could be induced to fly. We next took the nest and eggs, and after securely packing the whole of our specimens made our way back to where we had left the pony. On reaching the spot the gillie pointed out the nest we were in search of after lunch. We had not examined the ground between the legs of the pony, and here the female had sat unmoved till she had been disturbed by one of the pannier-straps falling on her back while the lunch was being repacked. We had now twelve or fourteen miles of rough travelling to get over before reaching the Lodge ; 6i and as the mist was so dense that we could not see above a yard or two before us, I was" of opinion that it would be our safest plan to follow a dry gully down to a burn which we knew fell into (llenlyon, and, although a few miles out of our road, would be sure to bring us home at last ; but as Donald was so exceedingly confident that he could find his way back across the hill, I at last gave way, though I certainly had great doubts on the subject. After leaving the rocky ground we made good progress for about an hour and a half, when I noticed that Donald's cheerful countenance began to wear a troubled look, and he at length proposed that we should make casts for a large rock which ought (supposing we were in the right line) to be at no great distance. After searching for half an hour but without meeting a single mark that would serve to guide us on our way, we found it was no use to proceed any further in the direction we were going, and on retracing our steps we soon got so con- fused that even the trusty Donald was forced to confess that he was at a loss to know which way to turn. After wandering about all night we found ourselves, when the mist cleared off at daybreak, within a short distance of Loch Kannoch, being then just a mile or two further from the Lodge than we were when we started for home the previous evening. A few days later, as I was anxious to know where we had first missed our way, I went over the same ground, when I discovered that after proceed- ing about a couple of hundred yards we had in some manner turned round and taken a nearly opposite course. On passing the nest of the Ptarmigan which had been caught by the terrier, I found she was sitting on only three eggs, the others having been without doubt carried off by the Ravens. While I was collecting the tail feathers, which had most probably drawn their attention to the nest, I heard 62 a harsh croak, and on looking up the Raven was right above my head, only unfortunately out of shot, As the day was clear I was able to thoroughly examine the plumage of the male Ptarmigan with the glasses, and obtained a much finer specimen than the one I had previously shot. The male and female together with the nest and eggs were obtained on the hills between Loch Rannoch and the River Lyon in the north-west of Perthshire in the first week of June, 1867. See " Hough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 10. RED GROUSE.— (AUTUMN). Case 75. So much has already been written concerning the habits and diseases of this popular game-bird, by both naturalists and sportsmen, by those well acquainted with the bird in its wild state and also by others whose experience appears to have been decidedly limited, that there is little left to be said on the subject. One thing alone is certain, viz., that we are as far-off as ever from discovering either the cause or a remedy for that disease which seems to make periodical ravages over the moors, attacking the birds with equal severity on ranges where only a few scattered packs are found as on the most prolific beats. Grouse would, in my humble opinion, be found to keep their health better and longer if the moors were more evenly shot over. In some parts, and frequently on the best- stocked beats, there are only a few weeks' shooting in the beginning of the season, when the ground could well stand two or three guns shooting judiciously over it from the 12th of August till the 10 th of December. 63 It has frequently been put forward that the killing down of vermin destroys the balance of nature and is prejudicial to the well-being of game. I do not deny that this may be the case where a too heavy stock of game is kept up ; but on ordinary moors, where the ground is properly shot over, the vermin must be kept down, or that very balance of nature which so delights the theorists to talk about would soon be lost. Some years back I hired a moor in Perthshire where the vermin had been allowed to multiply unchecked and all precautions for the welfare of the Grouse had been neglected. The first season I rented the ground the four best beats did not yield an average of above fifteen brace the first day that they were each shot over ; after this the average fell to about seven brace a day. This was for two guns. After three years trapping and carefully looking after the ground, one gun was able to average forty-five brace of Grouse a day for the first ten days' shooting, without counting two or three hundred head of other game. In conjunction with the vermin trapping, I consider that the improvement was mainly due to my making a point of observing the two following rules :— (1) Always to kill down the single old cock Grouse when and where I could. * (2) Always to be on good terms with the farmers and (more particularly) with the shepherds. When it is considered that a shepherd is over the ground nearly every day in the year,f and, if so inclined, can report anything going wrong,;}; the advantage of making an ally of him will, I think, be easily recognised. * I myself treated them as vermin, and shot them for two or three months after the close of the season. This I am afraid some people might consider highly improper. f Which, with the numerous duties he has to attend to, can certainly not be expected of even the most energetic of game-keepers. £ Which he certainly will, if he knows it is to his own advantage. 64 There is no vermin ever so destructive on a moor as a badly-fed collie dog. Old birds are frequently caught on their nests and the young or eggs are bolted whole. Anyone taking the trouble to look at the droppings of a collie can easily see whether he has been living on eggs or young birds. If the shepherd has an interest in the game he will look well after his dogs and keep them to heel when not working them. I found it a good plan to give each shepherd one penny per head for every Grouse bagged on his beat. He was then certain to do his utmost to preserve the game and promote the sport. I have often heard shepherds in different parts of the Highlands complain of the way they had been treated by the shooting tenants ; and when this is the case it is no wonder that the sport is not so good as it ought to be. The specimens in the case were shot on the Innerwick Moors in Glenlyon in Perthshire, in October, 1865. GKEYLAG GOOSE. Case 76. The Greylag Goose is the only representative of its family that remains with us as a resident throughout the year. Great numbers of these birds rear their young in the more remote parts of lioss- shire, Sutherland and Caithness, and also on some of the surrounding islands. Though proverbially one of the wildest of fowl during the winter, those that nest on our shores lay aside their shyness while their young are unable to provide for themselves. While crossing the moors in the summer I have now and then seen an old gander leave the cover which grew near some small loch and with out- 65 stretched neck attack any dogs I happened to have with me ; the female at the same time being either heard or seen endeavouring to get the young into some place of safety. When on the wing, even at a distance, this Goose may readily be distinguished by the conspicuous grey feathers from which it takes its name. In 1862 and 1863, when living in East Lothian, we were visited every winter by large flocks of Geese, which were on some farms so destructive to the young corn that herds were obliged to be employed to keep them from the crops. They take little notice of the labourers while at work ; but, though appearing to be all intent on searching for food, the slightest sign of danger is almost certain to attract the attention of the sentinel on duty. The specimens in the case \vere obtained in the west of Ross-shire in May, 1868. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 1. PTARMIGAN.- (AUTUMN). Case 77. By this time the male has changed the showy dress he wore in the courting season, and clad in sober grey, matching in colour the rocks and stones he frequents, he gives timely warning of approach- ing danger to his unsuspicious brood. On fine days at the commencement of the season it is occasionally no easy matter to force the young birds to take wing, as, unaccustomed to the sight of anyone more terrible than a wandering shepherd, they run like chickens a few yards in advance of the sportsmen. In wet and windy weather their nature seems entirely changed, as, unless surprised in some rocky corry, no bird is more difficult to approach within gunshot. The specimens in the case were shot on 66 Benderich, one of the hills to the north of Glenlyon in Perthshire in the months of August and September, 1865. See " Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 2. CORMORANT.— (IMMATURE). Case 78. As Cormorants in the immature dress may be seen at all times of the year, it is certain that they must be at least two and possibly three years old before they assume the adult plumage. Though most persons would fancy this bird unlikely to make a savoury dish, they are, in the immature state, by no means unpalatable when properly cooked. One spring when I was stopping at Canty Bay I went into the kitchen at the inn where Adams the landlord — who then rented the Bass Rock — was getting his dinner. At his request I was helped to (wliat he called) a plate of hare soup. There is no denying the fact that I have seldom tasted better soup, but I hardly believe that I should have fancied it much at the time if I had known it had been prepared from certain portions of two Cormorants and a Shag that I had shot near the Bass a few days before. Though using the Bass Rock as a roosting station in great numbers during the winter and early spring, none of these birds have ever been known to breed on the rock. The specimens in the case were shot at the Bass Rock in September, 1874. SHAG. Case 79. This wild-looking bird is common round many 67 parts of our islands, usually being found to be more numerous where the coast is steep and rocky. Single pairs of this species are occasionally found breeding by themselves, as in the caves at the Bass Rock and on the u Pinnacles " at the Fern Islands, but more commonly they nest in colonies of smaller or larger size. They used formerly to be plentiful at the Ferns, but during the last two years that I have visited the Islands there was but one pair. The specimens in the case together with their eggs and nest were taken from the rocks on the west coast of Ross-shire in May, 1868. PTARMIGAN.— (WINTER). Case 80. It is only the oldest birds that assume the pure white dress so early as the end of the shooting season, the young occasionally retaining several grey feathers in their plumage a month or even six weeks later ; and, judging from my own experience, I should be of opinion that some of the more back- ward birds do not become thoroughly white till their, second winter. This change is not a moult ; the white appears first at the point .of the feathers, and then gradually spreads down to the root or quill. I have now and then killed Ptarmigan which at first glance appeared perfectly white, but on being more 'closely examined showed several stains or lightly-marked blotches on their plumage, and on turning back the feathers I have discovered that a few were still half grey, and their darker colour showing dimly through the pure white covering of the adjoining or overlapping feathers gave the stained appearance to their otherwise spotless plumage. Ptarmigan shooting in December is a very 6cS different sport to the slaughter of the innocents in August. The hills have now put on their winter covering of snow and ice, and a good bag of White Grouse is seldom made without considerable risk. This is particularly the case in the north-west of Perthshire where the hills are high and the beats extensive. It is a matter of small importance to be lost all night on a Ptarmigan hill during the summer months, but to miss one's way on a winter's evening with a snow-storm coming on might possibly be attended with serious consequences. In order to avoid such a mishap I used when making an expedition for these birds to leave the Lodge by 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, and so reaching the high ground about 8 o'cloclc (which was as early as it was possible to commence shoot- ing) I was enabled to get four or five hours' sport and then have the advantage of daylight for the roughest part of the homeward journey. Frequently after scrambling up-hill in the dark we have discovered on arriving at the spot where we expected to meet with the birds that the whole of the summits were enveloped in cloud and mist. Under such circumstances, all sport of course being out of the question, the only thing left to be done would be to beat a speedy retreat and hope for more propitious weather on the next attempt. The specimens in the case \\jere obtained on the hills to the north-west of the River Lyon in Perthshire in Dacember, 1867. At this season the males may readily be distin- guished from the females by their showing a black mark between the beak and eye. See " Kough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 1± BEAN GOOSE. Case 81. Although some authors have stated that this 69 Goose nests in the British Islands I believe that no properly authenticated eggs have ever been obtained. In the north they appear in large flocks early in the autumn and on the approach of cold weather gradually make their way south. In East Lothian and other parts of the south of Scotland these birds, as well as the Greylags, become a perfect nuisance from the depredations they commit on the crops. When living in that district I wTas proceeding one evening to dine with a neighbouring farmer, when I perceived what I imagined in the gloaming to be a large flock of sheep advancing over a field of young corn. As I knew they had no business there I went cautiously round the back of the hedge to learn, if possible, where they were breaking through, and on looking over was almost as much surprised as the birds themselves to discover my flock of sheep transformed into about 500 Wild Geese. I was totally unprepared at the moment to fire a gun which I had with me, but before they got out of range I managed to bring down two and wound another, which was captured alive by a sheep-dog the following day. Had I known the birds were there they were so closely packed that at least ten or a dozen must have been bagged. The two killed were both of this species, but the other, which I did not see myself, appeared from the description given me to be a Greylag. I have seen these birds particularly numerous during some winters in the grass marshes in the east of Norfolk. In this locality, the ditches being sufficiently wide to be navigable by a small punt, first-rate sport may occasionally be obtained from them. When the weather remains open and the supply of food is plentiful they attain a great ;o weight ; a dozen I bagged one day in Norfolk averaging over 9 Ibs. each, the heaviest just turning the scale at 9J Ibs. The specimens in the case were shot in the Hickling Marshes in the east of Norfolk, in January, 1872. WHITE-FEONTED GOOSE. Case 82. Like the preceding species, this handsome bird is only a winter visitor to the British Islands. Twenty years ago I have seen hundreds in a day in Pevensey level, but at the present time a winter often passes without a single bird being obtained in that quarter. It associates with the Bean and other species of Wild Geese. The specimen in the case was shot on the Holmes Marshes in the East of Norfolk, in January, 1872.^ FEENCH PAETEIDGE. Case 83. This fine handsome bird is by no means a favourite with the generality of sportsmen. Its well-known shyness and constant habit of trusting to its legs rather than its wings as a means of escape from danger causes its rapid increase in some counties to be regarded as anything but acceptable. In the early spring numbers are frequently picked up drowned in the broads in Norfolk and Suffolk ; this is regarded by some of the natives as a proof that fresh arrivals take place at that season, but I myself having often noticed their quarrelsome disposition believe that while flying in pursuit of one another over the water they become confused and falling are unable to regain the shore. Part of the specimens in the case were picked up drowned on Heigham Sounds in the east of Norfolk in March, 1873, the remainder being killed in the Heigham Marshes the following December. RINGED GUILLEMOT. Case 84. It has usually been, I believe, an open question among scientific naturalists whether this bird is simply a variety of the Common Guillemot or a true species. Without attempting to give an opinion either way I consider it strange, if it is a variety, that specimens are never obtained with a partial ring or bridle ; not a single instance having ever occurred where a bird so marked has been obtained. It has been stated, I believe on good authority, that this bird has been observed paired with the common species. I have obtained specimens in the English Channel both in spring and winter, and they may be found in small numbers at all the nesting stations of the other rock birds, breeding on the same ledges, and mixing with the Common Guillemots. The specimens in the case were obtained partly at the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth in May, 1867, and the remainder at the Fern Islands off the coast of Northumberland the following month. COMMON GUILLEMOT.— (SUMMER). Case 85. The unfortunate habit of believing everyone to be honest till proved to be otherwise and trusting them accordingly has gained for this confiding bird the name of " Foolish Guillemot." 72 This, if not the commonest, is one of the most numerous of our sea birds, breeding in large colonies at hundreds of stations round the British Islands. Though not usually considered fit for table they are extensively used an an article of food on some of the barren islands in the North. The parent birds are stated (though I have never had the good fortune to be myself a witness of the proceedings) to carry down their young on their backs from the ledges on which they are hatched. Numbers that are knocked over by accident fall into the water, but appear to receive no injury unless striking against the rocks in their descent. I reared one myself that dropped over two hundred feet from one of the highest ledges on the west side of the Bass Eock and only missed the gunwale of my boat by about half a yard. Though the eggs of the Guillemot differ in a most remarkable degree, the ground colour being occasionally blue, green, yellow, or white, I believe that one bird always lays the same coloured eggs. I once removed three eggs from a small ledge on the Bass Rock, and visiting the same spot about ten days later I found three more in precisely the same situation and so exactly like the former ones as to be hardly distinguished from them. Again returning in a fortnight three more similar in colour and corresponding almost mark for mark with the others, were obtained. No other Guillemots were breeding within twenty or thirty yards of that part of the rock, and though I frequently examined the spot from the sea through the glasses I never noticed more than three pairs frequenting that ledge. The specimens in the case were all obtained at the Bass Eock in the Firth of Forth in June, 1867. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III. Plates 23 and 24. 73 PAKTKIDGE. Case 86. It is a curious fact that Partridges and Pheasants, if driven over water or towns, appear to get bewildered, and losing all power of flight drop down and suffer themselves to be picked up rather than rise again. Some people have a mistaken idea that a land bird is unable to rise from water, but I have repeatedly seen several species that have fallen wounded rise from either fresh or salt water with the greatest ease. The first year that the Easter Volunteer Review was held on the Downs in the neighbour- hood of Brighton the wind was from the north, and during the sham fight great numbers of Partridges were disturbed by the crowds and noise and becoming confused flew out to sea where they fell into the water. Several boats which happened to be under the cliffs profited by their misfortunes, one alone getting between twenty and thirty birds. Next year over a score of boats were on the spot awaiting the coming of the unfortunate Partridges, but the wind luckily blowing from the south, carried the affrighted birds inland, and not one came out to sea. I was going early one morning to the station at St. Leonard's when I observed a covey of ten or a dozen partridges drop into a small open square in the back part of the town. On being chased by some boys and dogs they never attempted to use their wings, but sought shelter in the open doors or fluttered helplessly down the areas. The specimens in the case were shot at Potter Heigham near Yarmouth in Norfolk in December, 1873. 74 BRENT GOOSE. Case 87. Immense flocks of Brent Geese make their appearance about the end of September or begin- ning of October on the mudbanks in the firths on the north-east coast of Scotland. In the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths they perhaps collect in the greatest numbers. On their first arrival they are remarkably un- suspicious of danger, but from being constantly harassed by the punt gunners they soon gain wisdom and learn to provide for their own safety. Some seasons back over 1,800 were bagged in six weeks by one gunner alone in the neighbourhood of Invergordon in Ross-shire. In severe weather they frequent all the muddy harbours and creeks on the eastern and southern coast, and here they also meet with another warm reception, thousands falling victims to the swivel guns, frequently twenty or thirty and occasionally as many as fifty or sixty being obtained at one discharge. On the approach of spring they again work their way back and finally take their departure for the summer about the end of March or beginning of April. They seem to prefer the eastern to the western side of the island. I have never met with these birds on inland waters except on two or three occasions of heavy snowstorms or protracted rough and stormy weather. Though feeding almost exclusively on the weeds on the salt water mudbanks their flesh never acquires a fishy taste, and they are considered to be the finest flavoured of all the Goose tribe that visit our islands. The specimens in the case were shot at the Little Ferry, a muddy harbour a couple of miles south-west of Golspie in Sutherland in March, 1869. 75 EIDER— (MATURE AND YOUNG). Case 88. This fine bird is to be met with round several parts of the Scotch coast and also in a semi- domesticated state on the Fern Islands off the coast of Northumberland. The females that nest here appear to select the neighbourhood of the storehouses and other buildings as a kind of protection from the attacks of the larger Gulls which are always on the look-out for any exposed egg. I have frequently observed the egg-gatherer (who has charge of all the birds on the island) stroke them on the back when sitting and even lift them from their nests without their showing the slightest signs of alarm. The males sat quietly on the water at a distance of sixty or seventy yards, but did not seem inclined to allow a nearer approach. The following description of the Eider which I found in an old History of Scotland, may possibly be interesting if not instructive :— - " In this island (Lewis) there is a rare species of bird, unknown to other regions, which is called Colcha, little inferior in size to a Goose, all covered with down, and when it hatches it casts its feathers, leaving the whole body naked, after which they betake themselves to the sea, and are never seen again till the next spring. What is also singular in them, their feathers have no quill ; but a fine light down without any hard point, and soft as wrool, covers the whole body. It has a tuft on its head, resembling that of a peacock, and a train larger than that of a house cock. The hen has not such ornament and beauty." The males were shot on the Island of Fidra in the Firth of Forth in May, 1867, the female and brood being obtained near the Island of Ebris about a couple of miles further west during the following month. See " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 8 and 10. 76 PHEASANT. Case 89. This the most gaudily-attired of all our game birds was not originally a native of the British Islands, being introduced into this country between two and three hundred years ago ; those turned down in the first instance having been brought, it is stated, from the banks of the river Phasis, in Asia Minor. The specimens in the case were obtained at Potter Heigham near Yarmouth in Norfolk in December. 1874. COMMON GUILLEMOT.— (WINTER). Case 90. During winter immense numbers of these birds frequent the English Channel, following the large shoals of sprats and other small fish that make their appearance at that season. A few are occasionally met with soon after the new year in full summer plumage, but the majority retain the winter dress till well on in March and young backward birds of the previous year even longer. The specimens were shot at sea a few miles off Brighton in December, 1870. BLACK GUILLEMOT. Case 91. Though a comparatively rare bird off the English coast the Black Guillemot is abundant all round the north of Scotland and the adjoining islands. A few breed or rather did some years ago, at 77 Flamborough Head, and it is stated to have been common at one time at the " Ferns." I obtained a single specimen off those islands in May, 1867, but none had then been known to nest there for many years. This bird differs in several respects from the rest of its family. The Common or Foolish Guille- mot is a remarkably poor walker, the backward position of its legs only enabling it to progress with a kind of shuffle. Its limited powers of locomotion are, however, sufficient for its requirements on land, as the situation in which it rears its young, viz., an open ledge above the sea, allows it to drop from the air close to its egg. The Black Guillemot on the other hand nests either under large stones or at some distance in the cracks and crevices of the rocks, and has need to make use of its legs with greater freedom. I was much surprised the first time I met with this species to discover it could walk and even run with the greatest ease. It is also capable of rising from level ground (as I observed on seeing a pair disturbed from under some detached rocks on the Island of Fura) Avith almost the rapidity of a Grouse or Partridge, while the unfortunate Willock^ is forced to drop a considerable distance from the cliffs every time it gets on wing before it can gain sufficient impetus to take a straight course. This species usually lays two, the other Guillemots a single egg. The specimens together with their eggs were obtained on the Island of Fura off the west coast of Ross- shire in May, 1868. EIDER.— (NEST). Case 92. This case, which represents the female with her nest, showing the eggs embedded in the well-known * Sussex name for the Common Guillemot. 78 ; Eider down, is copied from a sketch taken on the Island of Fidra, in the Firth of Forth. The nest was placed on a small ledge in the face of the rock at the height of forty or fifty feet above high-water mark. I have never visited the island during the spring or summer without discovering a nest in that identical spot ; on the last occasion in 1874 there were two placed side by side. The female was shot in Gullane Bay in the Firth of Forth in May, 1867, and the nest and eggs were obtained on the Island of Fidra the following month. EIDER,— (AUTUMN). Case 93. I think it probable that the male Eider is at least two, and possibly three, years old before he assumes the full, white-backed plumage. During summer young males may be seen in various stages of plumage, the white becoming more conspicuous by age. The case shows a male killed in September and a pair of young birds in their nestling feathers. The specimens were shot in the Firth of Forth near the Island of Ebris in September, 1874. See " Eouffh Notes/' Yol. III., Plates o:J. Like all the rest of its family the Arctic Tern is only a visitor to the British Islands, arriving in the spring, rearing its young on our shores, and leaving us on the approach of cold weather. There are still several breeding stations at different points round the coast, though two or three spots where they formerly nested in the youth have been of late years entirely deserted. H3 Great numbers still take up their summer residence on the Fern Islands. The sketch from which the case is copied was taken at one of their colonies close to the old lighthouse in the centre of the group. I have seen these birds nesting in the oat .fields in the neighbourhood of some of the Scotch firths on the north-east coast of Scotland. The specimens in the case were shot on the shores of the Dornoch Firth near Tain in June, 1869. The eggs were obtained at the Fern Islands in June, 1867. STOCK DOVE. Case 204. The Stock Dove is common in the south of England, and I have repeatedly observed them in large flocks in the east of Norfolk feeding on the pea-fields during the summer months. They appear to breed in a variety of situations, holes in old timber being, as most authors state, their favourite nesting-place ; they, however, occasionally rear their young on the branches of a tree like the Ring Dove, at times in a rabbit- burrow, and also in the face of a cliff. The young birds (or squabs, as I believe juveniles of the Pigeon tribe ought properly to be termed) were taken from a nest in every respect resembling that of a Wood Pigeon, near the top of a small spruce fir tree of about thirty feet in height in the neighbourhood of Brighton in June, 1874 ; the male and female being shot in the Potter Heigham marshes in the east of Norfolk a year later The case is copied from a Stock Dove's nest in an elm tree at Falmer near Brighton. 144 ROCK DOVE. Case 205. All round the coast of Scotland and its adjacent islands, wherever rocky caves are met with, the present species is almost certain to be found as a tenant. They are occasionally stated to have been seen frequenting the chalk pits and other similar situations, in the South of England, but in every case I have discovered the bird to be the Stock Dove. In some parts of the north I have seen Wild Pigeons of sandy and other light colours living among the rocks as wild and untamed as the present species. The young were taken from a cave on Longa Island off the west coast of Ross-shire in May, 1868, the old birds being killed at the Cromarty Rocks in June, 18(59. The case is copied from a sketch taken of the spot where the young were procured. Sec "IJough Xotes," Vol. II., Plato 0. ARCTIC TERN.— (MATURE AND IMMATURE - AUTUMN). Case 2 During August and September large numbers of these birds may be met with along the southern and eastern coasts while on their journey to their winter quarters. The case represents an old bird in the change from the summer plumage and the young of the year, The specimens were shot at sea off Benacre Sluice, a few miles north of Southwold in Suffolk in August, 187:1. 145 SCOTEK. Case 207. The Scoter is common at most seasons in flocks off the greater portion of our coasts. A few remain to breed in the northern counties of Scotland, though by far the larger number of our visitors are reared in the far north. The specimens in the case were obtained in Strathmore in Caithness in June, 1869. See " Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 2. VELVET SCOTER Case 208. A few of these fine Ducks are occasionally seen in the English Channel during winter ; the numbers, however, that are met with in the south have fallen off greatly of late years. From October till April they may be still observed in large flocks in the firths of Scotland and the northern islands. The specimens in the case were shot at sea off Hastings in January 1860. ROSEATE TERN. Case 209. From various causes the numbers of these Terns that visit our shores are rapidly decreasing every season ; though formerly nesting on several parts of the coast but two or three stations are resorted to at the present time. The specimen in the case was shot at the Fern Islands in June, 1867. See " Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 33. L 146 KING DOVE. Case 210. Though the present species is a resident in all parts of the British Isles, the immense flocks that are at times met with would lead to the belief that their numbers occasionally receive additions from the Continent. The farmers in various parts of the country complain of the depredations committed by these birds and frequently organise societies for their extermination ; but whether their efforts will ever be attended with success appears to be extremely doubtful, one fact at present alone being certain, that their attempts to thin them down have hitherto been perfectly unavailing. As any guess approaching the numbers that occasionally congregate together would appear incredible to those that have never had an oppor- tunity of observing them, it will be sufficient to state that in favourable localities they often join in flocks of several thousands. The specimens in the case wrere obtained in the neighbourhood of Brighton in the spring of 1870. TURTLE DOVE. Case 211. The Turtle Dove is only a summer visitor to our shores arriving in May and departing early in the autumn. Though this bird is occasionally observed in the northern parts of the island it is most numerous in the southern counties, being particularly abundant in Sussex. The specimens in the case were shot at Port- slade near Brighton during the summer of 1872. 147 GEEY PHALAEOPE. Case 212. A few of these birds visit our coast every autumn. After unusually severe gales in September or October they are occasionally found in immense numbers. Should the storm continue many days they seem to suffer greatly from its effects, and scores may be seen so exhausted that they allow themselves to be caught by hand. In September, 1866, a large flight appeared all round the eastern and southern coasts. I was myself in the Highlands at the time and obtained a single specimen in Glenlyon in Perthshire at a distance of forty miles from the sea. In the middle of September, 1870, I observed a few passing along the south coast ; and after a heavy south-east gale about three weeks later hundreds were found in the neighbourhood of Brighton, and the flight extended as far west as Plymouth. I picked up nearly a dozen one morning so disabled by the storm and want of food its to be incapable of flying ; numbers at the same time being seen hovering over the breakers a short distance at sea. They kept passing for nearly a fortnight, few being noticed on fine days but several shewing themselves in the small pools near the sea- beach in rough or windy weather. They are at all times most unsuspicious of danger, generally allowing themselves to be approached within three or four yards without exhibiting the slightest signs of fear. The specimens in the case were shot among the Oyster Ponds in Shoreham Harbour near Brighton in October, 1870. See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 32. 148 LONG-TAILED DUCK. Case 213. This Duck is only a winter visitor to the British islands, arriving in September and departing in March or April ; immature or backward birds being, however, occasionally observed in May and June. Though a few straggling parties at times find their way as far south as the English Channel, this bird is seldom met with in any numbers except off the coast of the north of Scotland. Its note is most peculiar ; one of its local names, " Coal and candle light," being derived from a resemblance its note is supposed to have to those words which the bird pronounces in a sing-song manner. The specimens in the case were shot at the mouth of the Little Ferry near Golspie in Sutherland in March, 1869. RAZOR BILL.— (SUMMER). Case 214. The birds are here represented at the foot of the Bass Hock. Numbers of Guillemots, Puffins, and Razor Bills, may be observed about daybreak resting on the lower ledges, but the approach of a boat always drives them into the water. The ordinary visitor to the rock would never imagine the animated appearance of the spot if viewed shortly after sunrise. Both at the Bass Rock and the Fern Islands these birds from some unknown cause are rapidly becoming scarcer year by year. Indeed, I expect that they have now entirely ceased to breed on the Ferns. At the time of my last visit in 1867, there was but a single pair frequenting the Islands. 149 At the more northern stations their numbers show no signs of diminution. The specimens in the case were obtained in the Firth of Forth in the vicinity of the Bass Kock in June, 1865. POMEEINE SKUA. Case 215. Several letters recently appeared describing an " extraordinary migration " of these birds. The writers appear to have been ignorant of the fact that large flocks may every season be met with a few miles off our coast. The specimens were shot in the North Sea in November, 1879. See " Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 40, 41, 42. RAZOR BILL.— (WINTER). Case 216. The Razor Bill in winter is met with in numbers all round our coasts, a few miles off the land, following the shoals of sprats and other fish on which they feed. During protracted rough weather they occasionally suffer severely from hunger, those obtained after a storm being usually in poor condition. The fishermen on some parts of the south coast appear to have a fancy for these birds. I have often been asked for any I did not want, the men declaring they made a capital dish when stuffed with onions. The specimens in the case were shot in the English Channel during the winter of 1870. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.— (SUMMER.) Case 217. The present species is perhaps the most numerous of our British Sea Gulls, breeding on various rocky parts of the coast, and in colonies of smaller or larger size on the inland lochs of Scotland. The islands on Loch Maree in the West of Ross-shire are resorted to every season by thousands of pairs of these birds. They are here permitted to rear their young in comparative peace? as boats are (or rather were, for I have not visited the spot for some years) scarce on the loch, and' it is but seldom that the country people are able to reach the islands to obtain their eggs. Those who have only viewed this beautiful loch under the influence of a bright sky and a gentle breeze would never credit the fury of the squalls that at times gather among the surrounding hills and burst with but scanty warning over its surface. On one occasion when I had sent on the previous day to the keeper to ask for the use of the boat I found on arriving at the spot that three girls had come down from the hills in hopes of getting out to procure a few basketfuls of eggs. After landing them on the Islands where the Gulls were most plentiful we proceeded to search for the nests of Geese and Divers or other rarities that might fall in our way. Though the early morning had been fine and still the day by noon had clouded over and rain and wind set in. For some hours we delayed our return-voyage in expectation that the weather would moderate, but the longer we waited the worse grew the storm. At last while attempting to reach the shore with a large cargo of eggs, we were struck by a squall which came roaring across the loch with a blinding cloud of spray, and driven back on one of the islands, the breaking of an oar sending two of the crew to the bottom of the boat where they rolled about with the eggs which were now being dashed from side to side. On working our craft into a sheltered bay and landing our terror-stricken passengers we were forced to work hard to repair the damages we had received, and by the time our defects were mada good, the storm had abated sufficiently for us to make a second attempt. The girls who had crouched at the bottom of the boat presented a most ludicrous appearance, being drenched to the skin with a mixture that resembled egg-flip, the whole of their spoil consis- ting of several hundred gulls' eggs having been smashed and beaten up into a kind of custard with the water that had broken on board. Some meat and drink, and the attentions of two or three sturdy keepers, eventually put fresh life into the discon- solate maidens ; but when they took their leave in the gloaming, it was hard to recognise in the three bedraggled tramps the bright-looking lassies that had met us in the morning. There is no doubt but that this species is very destructive to game and their eggs. I have during spring often trapped them on the moors in Perth- shire, using as a bait either eggs or flesh. In Ross-shire, Sutherland, and Caithness, where their numbers are far greater, the loss that they cause to the game-preservers must be very considerable. At the time of the bringing out of the Sea Bird Act it was stated that gulls were of great assistance to the fishermen by showing them the position of the fish and so guiding them to the best spots for shooting their nets. This all looks very pretty and interesting in print, but I have yet to learn that the Sea-gull is a favourite with the fishermen. When the shoals of mackerel arrive off the south coast in the spring of the year scores of boats are engaged in watching for the fish to come to the surface ; they then row rapidly to the spot and 152 shooting a net round them frequently enclose large numbers. Should any Gulls, however, be near at hand, their sharp eyes are sure to detect the first ripple on the water, and dashing down into the middle of the shoal they drive the fish to the bottom, and the men who may have rowed hard for half a mile or more and possibly paid out a portion of their net find their time and labour thrown away, while the mischievous bird with a derisive scream sails off to repeat the performance at the earliest opportunity. While watching the proceedings I have often been requested to kill the Gulls, the men declaring that what with the Bird Act and the gun license, they were unable to help themselves, being forced to stand quietly by while the birds snatched the bread from their mouths. The number of these Gulls that congregate in the North Sea during the herring season in the Autumn is something enormous ; here, again, they cause great loss to the fishermen. I have been assured by the masters of some of the luggers that they have frequently been deprived of a last of herrings and occasionally up to even four or five times that quantity by their depredations. As a last is over ten thousand fish, the number might seem incredible to those who have never had an opportunity of watching a large flock of these birds gathered round a boat that is making a good haul. The number that they swallow is small com- pared with those they bite and shake from the nets. I have myself repeatedly observed as many as a thousand or two of the larger species of Gulls attacking the nets of a single boat ; at times tak- ing hold of the lines in their beaks they rise in the air and attempt to shake out the fish. The small boat is occassionally sent to drive off the birds, but if disturbed from one part of the nets they rapidly commence operations on another. w 153 After the boats have finished hauling the birds are usually satisfied and rest in large bodies upon the water for the remainder of the day. Is is by no means uncommon to meet with a flock that extends a mile or two in length. I have noticed that when any disease has broken out and destroyed the fish on the fresh water broads in the eastern counties the gulls rapidly become aware of the fact and resort daily in thousands to the spot, feeding greedily on the decomposing remains that are floating round the banks. The specimens in the case were obtained on the Bass Rock in June, 1867. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.- (IMMATURE). Case 218. The specimens in the present case represent the bird in its various immature stages. They were shot at sea off the Norfolk coast in the autumn of 1872. POMEEINE SKUA. Case 219. Though occasionally compelling the Kittiwake to provide it with food this Skua more commonly attacks the larger species of Gulls. Immature specimens may be observed in numbers in the North Sea during autumn following the large flocks of Lesser Black-Backs always in attendance on the herring fleet. As winter advances they work their way south and are occasionally met with in the English Channel. I have at times seen a few fine old birds in the early part of the autumn off the Scotch coast, but the majority are without the long feathers in the tail. 154 On one occasion when at Yarmouth during the herring season I was told by the master of one of the fishing luggers that he had shot a bird or two while on the North Sea that he wished to show me. As I was aware he had been afloat for at least a fortnight I thought they might possibly be getting unpleasant, but being assured they were as fresh as when they were killed I told him to bring them down for me to look at in the evening. The specimens which proved to be an immature Gannet, a Pomerine Skua and a bird I could not determine, stunk in such a horrible and fearful manner that I requested him to take them away and let me see them by daylight when I hoped to be able to examine the stranger more closely out of doors. * On arriving at his house on the following morning .1 found that they had been sold by his wife for sixpence to a musician as an old and two young Hansers,f and were at that moment being cooked for the Sunday's blow-out much to the disgust of his neighbours in the row who were almost poisoned by the stink. The specimen in the case was shot in the Firth of Forth in August, 1874. See "Kough Notes," .Vol. III. Plates 40, 41, 42. BLACK-THROATED DIVER— (SUMMER). Case 220. Though but rarely seen in the south this hand- some bird is still abundant in several parts of the Highlands, it appears to be more partial to the lochs that lie in the wild hilly districts, preferring those with rocky islands on which it rears its young. * The bird was about the same size and make, though slightly smaller than the Pomerine, of a pale chocolate, with round white spots as large as a threepenny-piece on the back and wings, t Norfolk name for the " Heron." 155 I have occasionally seen as many as from fifteen to twenty tine old birds at one time on a single loch during the summer months, diving, splashing and screaming, and now and then pursu- ing one another both above and below the surface. Whether these were birds that had been robbed of their eggs or young or had only gathered together for the sake of company I can form no idea, as possibly on my next visit to the same loch but a single pair would be visible. At times when crossing the hills I have noticed as many as eight or ten flying together. On such occasions they keep in a straight line at regular intervals one behind the other. The newly-hatched young are covered with black down ; like all water-fowl they take to their natural element as soon as they leave the shell. The specimens in the case wrere obtained in the west of Ross-shire in May, 1868. ARCTIC SKUA.— (MATURE). Case 221. This bird may still be found breeding in many parts of the north of Scotland and the adjacent islands, the nest being placed on the open moor. On land as at sea the Arctic Skua for the most part procures its food by robbery, those that I have seen in Strathmore usually persecuting the un- fortunate Common Gulls that have the misfortune to nest in the same locality. The male and female in the case were discovered on being opened each to contain four Smolts or young Salmon. Fish as a rule is their diet, but this they occasionally vary with eggs, swallowing, I believe, the whole or the greater part of the shell, as I have often noticed castings composed entirely of egg-shells on the mounds where these birds are in the habit of resting. 156 The specimens were obtained in Strathmore in Caithness in June, 1869. See " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 45. KITTIWAKE.— (SUMMER). Case 222. The Kittiwake is common all round the British Islands, breeding in the rocks that overhang the sea on numerous parts of our coasts. We have few Gulls so thoroughly marine in their habits, 'the present species being seldom if ever met with inland. Though but a comparatively small bird, the quantity of fish it is able to consume is perfectly astonishing. One of the specimens in the case on being lifted into the boat disgorged three large herrings ; these could only have been swallowed a few minutes previously, being all as bright as silver. To this poor persecuted wretch the " Sea-Bird Preservation Act " has certainly been a blessing, the senseless slaughter that took place round their breeding-stations every summer having been allowed to continue too long without interference. The specimens in the case were obtained at the Bass Rock in June, 1867. See " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 39. KITTIWAKE.— (WINTER). Case 223. The mature bird in winter plumage and the immature in their first feathers are here shown. During autumn and winter they are occasion- ally seen in immense flocks, following the shoals of sprats and other fish in the English Channel. The specimens in the case were shot a few miles off Brighton in the winter of 1870. 157 AKCTIC SKUA.— (MATURE, AUTUMN). Case 224. The present case shows a variety of shades and colours in the plumage of this singular species. The perfectly black specimen on the left together with the one immediately beyond it and the sitting bird on the right are females, the remaining four being males. It will be thus seen that there is no rule for the colouring of either sex. In the autumn these birds are very numerous off the northern coast wherever Kittiwakes are plentiful. When the boats are hauling their long lines for haddies and whiting, hundred of Gulls are attracted to the spot for the fish that fall from the hook while being lifted on board ; these they snatch up within a foot or two of the boat, but are frequently forced to disgorge should a Skua be near at hand. The robber appears to take no notice of the Gull, if sitting on the water, beyond watching it intently, but the moment it rises, on wring he attacks it. Three of the specimens in the case were killed by a double shot while swimming close to an un- fortunate Kittiwake, which having made a good meal was either too full or too frightened to fly. The birds were obtained in the Firth of Forth in August, 1874. See " Kough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 46. BLACK-THROATED DIVER.— (IMMATURE). Case 225. Immature birds of this species are not unfrequently met with during the winter in the south of England, at times being found on both fresh and salt water. The specimen in the case was shot on Heigham Sounds in Norfolk in Februarv, 1871. 158 RED-THROATED DIVER.— (SUMMER). Case 226. The Red -Throated Diver is common during the nesting season in the north of Scotland and in many of the adjacent islands. This species appears to be more plentiful where the country is flat, with small marshy pieces of water, than in the hill lochs which are the true home of its relative the Black Throat. It is consequently most numerous among the " floes "* which abound in the central part of Caithness. To state that the note of this bird is pleasing to the ear would scarcely be correct. I have seldom heard anything more melancholy than its dismal cries, which are frequently repeated both before and during the continuance of rough and stormy weather. The specimens in the case were obtained in Strathmore in Caithness in June, 1868. ARCTIC SKUA— (IMMATURE). Case 227. The barred specimen in the present case is probably in its second year ; the two dark birds are without doubt but three or four months' old. They were shot at sea off the Bass Rock in September, 1874. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 43 and 44. HERRING GULL.— (SUMMER). Case 228. From my own observations I should be of opinion that the farmer rather than the game- * Flat tracks of moor with still deep black pools of water. 159 preserver would have a right to complain of the damage caused by the present species. I have never seen a single specimen captured in a vermin-trap set for the destruction of the other Gulls, nor have I ever observed them preying on either young game or eggs. In the north they appear to prefer the cultivated tracts of land in the neighbourhood of the coast, where after feeding in large flocks on the field they retire to the rocks to rest. Gulls when alarmed (as the Skua is well aware) usually vomit the contents of their stomachs. By firing a shot amongst a flock while sitting on the shore after feeding and causing them suddenly to take flight I have repeatedly found that some cast up a quantity of grain and others large lumps of mussel-shells, which they appeared to have swallowed whole. That they can however make a meal of young birds I have good proof, as some that I keep in confinement devoured a couple of young blackbirds that escaped from their cage, and also managed to bolt a Water Rail, to say nothing of numerous sparrows that they contrive to capture while feeding on their corn. Some years ago these birds were plentiful on the Bass where they nested every season. The person who hired the rock, finding that the Jackdaws which had recently taken up their quarters in the rabbit-burrows near the summit were .very destructive to the eggs of the sea-fowl, endeavoured to destroy them by laying down poisoned bread and butter! this however was greedily devoured by the larger species of Gulls who suffered in consequence, and since that time there have been but two or three pairs of either Herring Gulls or Lesser Black-Backs about the rock. The case is copied from a drawing made on the north side of the Bass ; the specimens together with i6o their nest and eggs being obtained on the rock in June, 1867. HERRING GULL.— (WINTER). Case 229. This case shows the mature bird in winter plumage and the young in the second or third year. The specimens were shot in Yarmouth Roads in November, 1872. MANX SHEARWATER. Case 230. I have frequently met with this bird during autumn in the North Sea, its curious flight always drawing attention at whatever distance it might be seen. The specimens in the case were shot in the Firth of Forth, August, 1874. RED-THROATED DIVER. -(WINTER). Case 231. During the winter months these birds are common all round our coasts, great numbers, in addition to our regular residents, arriving from the north of Europe and leaving again on the approach of spring. The specimens in the case were shot a few miles off Brighton in December, 1870. BEWICK'S SWAN. Case 232. The visits of this small Swan to the British Islands are very uncertain ; hundreds may be observed one winter and not a single bird make its appearance the following season. They do not generally arrive in such large bodies as the Hoopers, but I once counted between fifty and sixty flying in company over Hickling Broad in Norfolk. The specimen in the case was shot on Hickling 'Broad in March, 1871 ; it was a female and only weighed 9 Ibs. ft GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.— (SUMMER). Case 233. This fine bird is to be met with all round the British Islands, breeding in the rocks that overhang the sea, and also on the islands in several of the Scotch lochs. During the summer months these Gulls are most destructive to the young of any game or waterfowl that fall in their way. I have more than once seen them rise from the carcase of a dead sheep, and have been assured by shepherds that they not unfrequently kill the sickly lambs and at times even the ewes if found in a weakly condition. As the autumn advances the old birds and their broods betake themselves to the salt water firths, where they feed on any stranded fish that are cast up by the tide or the wounded fowl that escape from the punt -gunners. After gaining a living for a time in this manner they no sooner observe a punt setting up to a flock of wild fowl, than, in expectation of a good dinner, they commence flying round the birds with loud screams and not unfrequently, if hungry, darting down and spoiling the shot. If plentiful they generally become such constant attendants that it is impossible for the gunners to obtain a chance by day. On several occasions I have seen wounded fowl (both Mallard and Wigeon) fly from the attacks of the Gulls and attempt to 162 seek safety by returning and pitching in the water within a few yards of the punt. Small birds, such as Plover, are frequently carried off from under the very nose of the shooter, if falling in the water where they cannot readily be recovered. The specimens in the case were obtained at a small sandy island in Loch Shin in Sutherland in July, 1868. GLAUCOUS GULL.— (IMMATURE). Case 234. Immature birds of this species are common along the north-east coast at most seasons of the year. The mature Glaucous is however rarely met with except in severe weather, and it is even then seldom that they are obtained in the south. Though I have observed a few on different parts of the coast, I have never had a chance to procure a single specimen. The bird in the case was shot while flying over the Hickling Marshes in the east of Norfolk in December, 1873. See " Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 38. PUFFIN. Case 235. The home of this curious looking bird is far from land on the " rolling deep." It is only for a few months during spring and summer that it approaches our shores for the purpose of rearing its young ; unless wounded or in some way disabled it is seldom seen during winter. The Puffin breeds in a variety of situations : i63 holes in cliffs, rabbit-burrows, and ruined buildings being occasionally made use of. The sketch from which the case is copied was taken from the old fortifications on the Bass Rock. The Puffin here nests in the holes in the crumbling masonry of the battlements. The specimens were obtained in the Firth of Forth in June, 1865. See "Hough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 25. BLACK-HEADED GULL.— (WINTER). Case 236. In autumn, as soon as the young are sufficiently strong, these Gulls come down to the coast where they appear to take up their residence for the winter, making occasional visits into the country in search of food. The Black-Headed Gull is partly nocturnal in its habits. When stopping at Canty Bay in East Lothian, I have noticed small flocks coming regularly every evening just at dusk to certain spots along the shore, where they fed on the sand-hoppers and other insects which were plentiful among the dead sea-weed washed up by the tide. The specimens in the case were shot on the coast of the Firth of Forth in September and October, 1874. See "liough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 35 and 36. BLACK-HEADED GULL.— (SUMMER). Case 237. This handsome bird is plentiful from north to south, breeding in colonies in various parts of the country. Though frequenting the sea-coast during the autumn, winter and early spring, it retires inland 1 64 for the summer months and rears its young either in marshy districts or on the islands in some large piece of fresh water. I was previously unaware that this species would destroy small birds. It was however recently stated (I suppose on good authority) in the " Zoologist" that such was occasionally the case. Its food for the most part, I believe, consists of insects, beetles, worms, grubs, and moths, varied of course during the winter by marine animalcules and such refuse as it is able to pick up along the shore. A large colony of these birds presents an exceedingly lively spectacle about the middle of June. Owing to their nests having been in many cases frequently plundered, young of all sizes may be observed, from the small downy chick just breaking the egg-shell to the full-fledged bird that is taking its first flight. As will be seen by the specimens in the case the eggs of this species vary considerably. The mature birds were obtained near Lairg in Sutherland in June, 1868, the young and eggs being taken at a small piece of water (known in Gaelic by a name that signifies the " Muddy Loch,"} near Tain in Ross-shire in June, 1869. COMMON GULL.— (SUMMER). Case 238. Although it is stated as a fact in several ornithological works that this Gull nests in the cliffs on the sea-coast, I have never myself been so fortunate as to witness a single instance where this was the case ; the whole of the breeding-stations that I have met with being either on islands in fresh-water lochs or on the open moors in the Highlands. There is a colony on a small hill loch in W Of E> Is * 1 I 8 Glenlyon in the north-west of Perthshire where I have frequently observed scores of these birds sitting on the tops of the trees, many of the highest branches being killed by their excrement. The nests are usually located among the rough stones and roots on the ground ; but in two instances I have found them placed in branches of the trees though never at a greater height than four feet. This bird is most destructive to the Smolts or juvenile Salmon, being often noticed feeding on the shallows of the river ; it also preys on young birds and is accused (though I have never myself observed it) of devouring the eggs of game. The specimens in the case were obtained at the islands in the Lochs of E/oro in the north-west of Perthshire in June, 1867. The Common Gull breeds in some numbers on the cliffs of a small island off the east coast of South Uist, in the Outer Hebrides as well as on other sea cliffs in that neigh- bourhood. I was much astonished to find one of their nests on a spit of sand in Fiaray, among the Arctic Terns' nests which abound there. Almost every one of the innumerable lochs on the west side of South Uist has several pairs of this species nesting on the islets or near the banks. As the sun sinks, the birds may be seen streaming off the land over the sandhills to the sea for food, and it is only at that time that one realizes what a vast number must breed there. — Ed. COMMON GULL (WINTER.) Case 239. The mature bird in its winter dress and the young in the immature stage are shown in the present case. Though feeding on fish, if it comes in their way, these birds during winter, when on the coast, appear to have a partiality for the mouths of sewers in the neighbourhood of large towns ; here they are able to vary their diet with a choice selection of 1 66 tit-bits ; a crust of bread, half-an-inch of a tallow dip, or a dead kitten, being each and all received with thanks. They may also be noticed at this season follow- ing the plough, eagerly snatching up the worms and grubs as they are exposed to view. The specimens shown in the case were shot at sea off Brighton during the winter of 1870. PEREGRINE. Case 240. Under the heading of " Hawks and the Moors," the Peregrine has given rise to many dis- cussions in the sporting papers ; some writers declaring that they do but little damage on a Grouse moor, being of opinion that the few birds they take are usually the diseased and weakly, while others class them amongst the very worst of thieves. These discussions evidently being for the most part between falconers on the one side and game preservers on the other, there can be but little doubt that each party takes a rather one-sided view of the case. The Peregrine accommodates itself to the district it breeds in, preying on Grouse, Plover, Ducks, and Pigeons, in the Highlands ; sea birds such as the smaller Gulls and Guillemots, on the islands ; and Partridges, Pigeons, and even the young of the domestic fowl, in the south. It is, however, impossible for anyone to give the true " bill of fare " of a Peregrine, as on examining a dozen nests there will be found the remains of different victims in each. Though certainly an enemy to the game preserver in the north (every Falcon destroying on an average at least one brace of Grouse or other game birds in a day), I should be sorry to see this dashing Hawk " improved " off the face of the i67 country, and would say in the words of Mr. Jorrocks, " Be to his virtues ever kind ; be to his faults a lee tie blind." The specimens in the case were obtained on the hills above the Lochs of E/oro in the north-west of Perthshire in June, 1867. The birds were so wary and the position of the nest so exposed in the bare face of a precipice of at least one hundred feet in height that it was impossible to get a shot at either of them ; so re- moving three of the young I stumped the remaining one down and set a couple of traps on each side of it. The female was taken the same evening, but it was three days before the male bird was seen ; when, on examining the traps early in the morning, we found an unfledged duckling in the first trap and the Falcon in the second. He had evidently sprung the first trap with the prey he had been bringing, and then in his vain attempt to drag the duckling, trap and all, to the young one had been himself caught in the second. During the three days between the capture of the parents, we had kept the young Hawk alive by feeding it with trout fresh caught from the Loch at the foot of the hill, on which it seemed to thrive well. See "Kough Notes" Vol. I, Plate 12. KITE. Case 241. Though formerly of common occurrence all over the country there are now but few counties in which the Kite can be reckoned as a resident. I have noticed that the young birds of this species are usually supplied with a great variety of food ; in nests I have examined there have been at different times several young rabbits and hares, a i68 few squirrels and rats, numbers of Grouse and Peewits, and on two or three occasions the young of Curlew, Duck and Pigeons. The specimens were obtained in the northern Highlands in 1877. A young bird which died almost as soon as it was hatched is preserved in Case A. See " Kough Notes," Vol. I., Plates 9 and 11. KITE.— (IMMATURE). Case 242. The specimens, which were shot in Perthshire in 1878, shew, the plumage of the young birds as soon as they are able to leave the nest and before the tail has acquired its full length. They are here represented as preying on a Grouse, which is in my experience their favourite food. I once counted the remains of over 30 Grouse under the branches of one large Scotch Fir which stood within a short distance of a nest ; some were merely bleached and weather-beaten skeletons and may possibly have lain, since the previous season. See " Rough Notes," Vol L, Plate 10. GOOSANDER Case 243. These birds make their appearance during severe weather, frequenting both fresh and salt water ; the numbers however that arrive are very uncertain, depending greatly on the season, but few being observed should the winter prove mild. If plentiful, they must be very undesirable visitors to a trout stream, as the quantity of fish they are capable of swallowing is something enormous. 169 The immature male and female were shot in Perthshire in 1867. The adult male in Inverness- shire in March, 1878.* See "Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 19. GOOSANDER (AND YOUNG). Case 244. v By some authors I imagine this species must have been confounded with the Merganser, as I was unable to discover a single specimen in parts where it was reported common, though the latter was plentiful. This handsome bird breeds in con- siderable numbers in several localities in the northern Highlands. The female and young were obtained in the northern Highlands in July, 1878. The male at that season is conspicuous by his absence. See " Eough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 18. OSPKEY.— (IMMATURE). Case 245. It is seldom that a season passes without a specimen or two of this species being either seen or obtained in the southern or eastern counties ; the rivers and ponds of Sussex and the broads of Norfolk appear to be particularly favourite resorts. The Osprey is probably three or four years old before it pairs arid nests ; those that are observed in the south during the summer are still in the immature state. The bird, which is in the second or third year's plumage, was shot with a punt gun while perched on a $take on Breydon mudflats in May, 1871. * At the time the above notes were published I was not aware that the Goosander nested regularly in the British Islands. 170 OSPREY. Case 246. In several of the northern counties of Scotland the Osprey may still be met with during the summer months. At the present time by far the greater number of nests are to be found on trees, while, if we are to believe old reports, the majority were placed on isolated crags of rock in fresh water lochs, and in a few instances on ruined castles. The specimens were obtained in the northern Highlands in 1877. See « Rough Notes," Vol. L, Plate 6. GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Case 247. This appears to have been a numerous species in the Highlands some 50 or 60 years ago. In several districts the largest trees in the forests (many of them now dead) bear countless marks of their boring. In the south they are still to be found scattered over the wooded districts in almost every county. The specimens were obtained in Ashdown Forest, Sussex, in June, 1880. WHITE- WINGED TERN. Case 248. The present species is but an accidental visitor to our shores, those previously obtained having been for the most part met with during spring and summer, in the eastern counties. No recorded instance of the immature bird occurring in this country has come under my observation, though I happened to see a fine specimen which was shot on Horsey Mere in a private collection in that neighbourhood. At the time the birds in the case were killed I had but little opportunity for observing their habits. I first caught sight of them while fishing in the channels on Breydon flats, before it was fairly light, during a heavy storm. After following them some time they all settled on a mudbank, appear- ing to be attracted by a pair or two of fine old Grey Plovers which were resting there, and happening to alight at the moment I came within gunshot, the whole were obtained at one discharge. In the grey of the morning I at first mistook them for Black Terns, and was surprised to notice them pitching in the water for food like the Common or Arctic Tern ; the Black usually feeding on insects which it captures over the water in the same manner as the Sand Martin. The birds were shot after a most tempestuous night early in the morning of the 26th of May, 1871, on Breydon mudflats. MERGANSER. Case 249. The breeding plumage of the male of this species is by no means so handsome as his winter dress ; it cannot however be said that the cares of his family, or the toil of providing for their wants, have been the cause of his change, as the brightest of his colours were laid aside before the beginning of March. These birds are particularly plentiful along the wild rocky coasts of the northern parts of Scotland, breeding on the islands both off the coast and in the fresh-water lochs. It is a singular habit with the present species that two or three females with their broods 172 frequently keep company ; at times but one of the parents remaining with the school of young, while the others are following their own devices ; this often gives rise to the idea that the family of the Merganser is more numerous than it really is. The male and female were shot in Gairloch off the west coast of Ross-shire in May, 1868, the young being obtained on Loch Shin in Sutherland the following month. See " Kough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 15, 16, 17. GREAT CEESTED GREBE— (MATURE AND NESTLINGS). Case 250. After all the persecution that this curious bird has undergone for the sake of its feathers, it is a remarkable fact that it is still numerous in several parts of Great Britain, and though its haunts are rapidly becoming restricted by drainage and other innovations the Broads in the eastern counties with their extensive reed-beds are likely to afford it a safe asylum for several years to come. During winter, even should the weather prove mild, the majority of these birds take their departure from their summer quarters and are found for the most part singly either on the tidal rivers or the open sea. The summer plumage is acquired early in the year. I have observed specimens with the frill or ruff fully developed in February and March, and on one occasion as soon as January 18th. The nest of this species is a large accumulation of the stems of the reed amongst which it is built, the whole of the structure together with its contents being perpetually moist. In three or four instances where I have closely watched the habits of this bird I have discovered that the eggs were regularly laid on alternate days ; the young I have also noticed being hatched at similar intervals. The specimens in the case were obtained on Hickling Broad in June, 1871. WHITE-WINGED TERN. Case 251. The five Terns in the present case formed part of a flock of seven that I met with on Hickling Broad. They were first observed hawking for flies over the water in company with the Sand Martins, and having previously obtained as many as I required as specimens, I had a good opportunity of watching their habits. They appeared quite fearless, occasionally approaching and hovering within a few feet of the boat ; though the water was shallow and small fry abundant they never attempted to capture a single fish, frequenting only those parts of the Broad where the Sand Martins were seen, both species taking their food in precisely the same manner. Toward dusk, as I found the Martins were leaving, I rapidly procured the Terns, the sixth falling dead to a long shot in the middle of a reed- bed where it was useless to search, and the seventh after having for some minutes complacently watched the slaughter of his companions took his departure without offering a chance. On the following days there were again small flocks on the Broads, those seen latest appearing to be younger birds, their breasts being strongly marked with white. * While the weather was cold and windy they pursued their course straight away to the north-east ; those however that were seen when the sun had brought out the insects and * In the immature bird the breast is white. 174 Sand Martins remained for some hours hawking over the water. I learned from the keeper that on three or four consecutive days before I fell in with the first flight he had observed some small parties of " Daws "* that he never remembered to have seen before. These were probably birds of the same species. Three were also noticed on Breydon mudflats about the same time by one of the gunners who had seen the birds I had obtained there a couple of years previously. It would appear that several parties of these Terns must have continued passing across the east of Norfolk for about a week during the latter end of the month. The specimens in the case were shot on Hick- ling Broad on the 28th of May, 1873. LESSEE SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Case 252. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is, I believe, of much more frequent occurrence than is generally supposed, its small size enabling it to escape obser- vation unless closely searched for. I have particularly noticed that these birds during the winter and early spring appear to have a regular course that they pursue from day to day ; having frequently timed them arriving in certain trees from the same direction almost to the minute, and after remaining their usual time among the branches, departing, if undisturbed, in the very line they had taken the previous day. The male and female were obtained near Plumpton in April, 1866, the young being taken * The natives of this locality style the whole of the Tern family " Daws ; " the common or Arctic being the " White," and the Black the "Blue Daw." 175 from a pear-tree in a garden at Uckfield in Sussex in June, 1872. GREEN WOODPECKER— (MATURE). Case 253. The present species is the commonest of our British Woodpeckers, being abundant in most wooded districts in the southern and midland counties of England. It however becomes scarcer towards the north, and I have never met with it in Scotland. The specimens in the case were shot in Balcombe Forest in Sussex in June, 1875. BLACK TEEN.— (SUMMER). Case 254. Though formerly nesting in the eastern coun- ties the Black Tern is at the present time only a visitor to our shores in spring and autumn. This species is usually the first of the Terns to appear in the spring, the earliest arrivals being frequently noticed in the beginning of April ; I have however observed them passing all through May and occasionally as late as the second week in June. The specimens in the case were obtained on Heigham Sounds in the east of Norfolk in May, 1871. GREAT CRESTED GREBE.— (MATURE AND HALF-GROWN YOUNG). Case 255. The present case shows the young Loons* between the age of four and five weeks. * Norfolk name for Great Created Grebe. 1 76 It would hardly be supposed that a Perch of two or three inches long with its prickly fin would be a pleasant mouthful for a young bird of this age ; the smaller specimen however contained a couple of fish of that length, while the larger had only a few feathers in its stomach. The old and young were obtained on Hickling Broad in June, 1873. GREAT CRESTED GREBE.— (IMMATURE). Case 256. The specimens in this case are probably from ten to twelve weeks old. While in the down the eye of this species is a light grey. During their first autumn and winter I have observed the iris both a dull orange and a bright lemon yellow ; this gradually changes till it assumes the brilliant red which is seen in the adult in summer. The birds were shot on Breydon near Yarmouth in September, 1871. BLACK TERN.— (AUTUMN). Case 257. The old birds showing the change into winter plumage, and the young in their first feathers, are occasionally observed in this country as early as July ; but it is not till August and September that we are visited by the main body while on their way to their winter quarters. The specimens in the case were shot on Hickling Broad in the beginning of August, 1873. GREEN WOODPECKER.— (MATURE AND IMMATURE). Case 258. The hissing and snapping noise emitted by a 177 brood of young "Woodpeckers in the nest would most probably deter anyone unacquainted with their note from exploring the hole in which they were concealed without due caution, as the sound would hardly be thought to proceed from a bird. The specimens in the case were obtained in Balcombe Forest in Sussex in June, 1875. At this early stage (the day the young first left the nest) it is already possible to distinguish the sexes, the black mark under the bill of the male containing a few red feathers while that of the female is plain. FULMAE PETEEL. Case 259. The specimens in the case were obtained in the North Sea off Yarmouth, two on October 29th, and the remainder on November 8th, 1879. Several of these birds were reported to me about this time by the smack masters on the out- side fishing grounds. It cannot however be a common occurrence for the Fulmar to frequent this coast, as one of the skippers (an old gunner, and well acquainted with sea-birds and wild-fowl) remarked he had not seen one till this season, since forty years ago, when as a " younker "he captured a bird of this species in the " deidle " (i.e., landing net). See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 48. MOOEHEN. Case 260. This familiar bird, which is abundant from north to south, appears quite as contented on the smallest pool or the narrowest drain as on the most extensive lake in the United Kingdom. i78 Though not usually esteemed of much value as an article of food both the Moorhen and its neigh- bour the Coot are in my humble opinion equal in flavour when properly dressed to any bird that is found in the British Islands. Cooks, who are aware of the trouble of plucking them, are sure to declare they require to be flayed and then steeped in water, or possibly even perpetrate some such enormity as burying them in a cloth for several hours. Let them however simply be treated as Wild Duck or Teal, and I am almost certain that even the most fastidious epicure will be desirous of repeating the experiment. As the cook is the last person in an establishment that I should wish to be on bad terms with, I always, when shooting these birds, order the men to pluck those that are intended for home use as soon as they are collected. While warm the feathers and down may be stripped from them with but little exertion, though, should they once get cold and set, it will require nearly an hour's scrubbing with resin to remove the tenacious black down from the breast and back of a single Coot. The specimens in the case were obtained on Loch Slyn near Tain in Ross-shire in May, 1869. GREAT CRESTED GREBE.— (WINTER). Case 261. It is seldom during the winter months that I have observed these birds frequenting their summer haunts. As a rule they are found on tidal waters ; one or two however occasionally return to their old quarters, and having settled on the ice experience considerable difficulty in getting on wing again. The specimens in the case were killed at sea between Shoreham and Lancing ; one in December, 1879, the other in February, 1881. See, " Rough Notes/' Vol. II., Plate 20. 179 COOT. — (MATURE AND NESTLINGS). Case 262. The Coot is a common bird in, most parts of the British Islands, being found in numbers both on the Highland lochs and on the lakes and broads in the southern counties. During winter they usually collect in flocks on some large piece of water ; here they remain till driven from their quarters by continued frost they come down to the tidal rivers and harbours on the coast where numbers fall victims to the punt- gunners. On the extensive broads in the eastern counties, where these birds begin to gather as early as September, regular battues are organised at intervals during the autumn and winter, and afford an excit- ing day's sport to the whole of the gunning community of the neighbourhood. The meet is usually fixed for an early hour, but long before the appointed time the company may be seen arriving in craft of every description, those who are unable to get afloat contenting them- selves by taking up a position on the banks. When all is ready the boats numbering usually from thirty to fifty form in line and work round the birds so as to enclose them in a corner of the broad. As soon as they discover themselves hemmed in they rise and fly in all directions, always at last making for the open water beyond the line of boats, affording great sport and still greater confusion for several minutes. If the line is well kept the Coots appear be- wildered and continue flying round and round for a considerable time before attempting to break through, but should only a single boat fall out of its appointed station the whole of the birds in a body make for the gap and the drive is spoiled. Those that escape the first round settle on i8o some remote corner of the broad and are again attacked in the same manner. The specimens in the case were obtained on Hickling Broad in June, 1871. The young are a dav or two old. COOT. — :(MATURE AND HALF-GROWN YOUNG.) Case 263. In this case the young are shown in a more advanced state, being probably six or seven weeks old. The specimens in the case were obtained in the Heigham Marshes in the east of Norfolk in June, 1873. STOKMY PETREL. Case 264. Though but seldom observed except by seafar- ing people the Stormy Petrel is common all round the British Islands. I have often noticed these poor little birds terribly distressed by the buffetings they receive during a protracted gale, at times hovering and settling among the breakers, and occasionally being carried before some blinding squall almost helpless inland. After a storm of several days' duration in November, 1872, I observed scores of these birds resting on the water a few miles off the coast of Norfolk, apparently thoroughly worn out, with their heads buried in their feathers. On visiting one of the lightships I learned that several of the Stormy as well as a single specimen of the Fork- tailed Petrel had come on board while the gale was at its height. It is late in the year before the Petrel arrives. at its nesting quarters, eggs, I believe, seldom being laid before the first or second week in June. The birds in the case were shot in the English Channel in May, 1872. See « Kough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 49. BRAMBLING.— (SPRING). • Case 265. The present species is only a winter visitor to the British Islands ; a few however remain as late as April and often assume the full summer plumage before they take their departure. In the summer of 1866, while fishing on the river Lyon in Perthshire, I had occasion to climb a beech tree to release the line which had become entangled in the branches, and while so engaged a female Brambling was disturbed from her nest containing three eggs, which was placed close to the stem of the tree. As I was anxious to procure the young I left her, and on again visiting the spot iii about a fortnight the nest was empty, and judging by its appearance I should be of opinion that the young birds had been dragged out by a cat. This is the only instance I have ever known of the Brambling attempting to rear its young in Great Britain. The specimens in the case were shot near Falmer in Sussex in April, 1875. BKAMBLING.— (WINTER). Case 266. Immense flocks of these birds make their appearance every autumn in the Highlands, and on the approach of winter gradually work their way south. They often join in company with other 182 small birds such as Chaffinches and Yellow- hammers. The specimens in the case were obtained near Shoreham in January, 1871. WATER RAIL. Case 267. The Water Rail is usually met with in low- lying marshy ground, occasionally however being found frequenting the banks of rough streams in wooded districts. The extensive reed-beds and trackless swamps that abound in the neighbourhood of the Broads in the eastern counties are admirably adapted to their habits, and the bird though but seldom seen may be heard continuously during fine still weather in the summer months ; the peculiar squeaks and grunts that are emitted by this species would never be supposed by anyone unacquainted with its note to proceed from the throat of a bird. The specimens in the case were obtained in the Potter Heigham marshes in Norfolk in May, 1870. SPOTTED RAIL. Case 268. Though the Spotted Rail is usually considered a summer visitor to our shores, a few I believe will occasionally remain during the winter in suitable localities. Like its neighbour the Water Rail, the present species is particularly abundant in the Broad district in the eastern counties. While Snipe shooting in the autumn I have repeatedly found them in great numbers in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth. The male and female were obtained in Pevensey 1*3 Marsh in April, 1866, the nest and eggs being taken in a reed-bed near Hickling Broad in June, 1873. SCLAVONIAN GREBE.— (SUMMER). Case 269. I have met with this Grebe at various times during spring and winter all round our shores, from Sussex to Sutherland. The specimens in the case were shot in Ross- shire in April, 1869, the male being killed on Loch Slyn and the female on the Dornoch Firth. A perfectly snow-white Grebe, which I believe to have been of this species, was in company with the male when that bird was obtained, but the day being exceedingly stormy it was lost sight of in the broken water. LAND RAIL. Case 270. The land Rail, or Corncrake, is widely dis- tributed over the British Islands, being remarkably plentiful in the cultivated portions of some of the Highland glens, though, as it generally takes its departure before the crops are sufficiently cleared to permit of shooting, its presence, owing to its skulking habits, would seldom attract attention were it not for its monotonous croaking note. I have at times fallen in with these birds in great numbers while Partridge-shooting in Sussex early in September, on one occasion bagging eight and a half couple in about two acres of clover. I was greatly surprised one summer, when fish- ing on the Lyon in Perthshire, to see a Land Rail which my retriever had disturbed run down to the bank of the river and without pausing a moment drop quietly into the water and strike boldly out for the opposite shore ; in less than a minute the 1 84 dog arrived on the bank, and catching sight of it immediately captured it in the water before it had time to gain the land. The bird, which I examined alive, had not received the slightest injury, being blessed with the full use of both wings and legs, so that its taking to the water was entirely a matter of choice. The specimens in the case were obtained in Glenlyon in Perthshire during the summer of 1867. The young, which were captured by the retriever, must, I should imagine, have been a second brood, being taken as late as the 1st of September. QUAIL. Case 271. This bird is much commoner in the southern counties than is generally supposed. Numbers breed in the immediate vicinity of Brighton, their eggs being frequently mown out within a few hundred yards of the town. Still, as but few are ever obtained during the shooting season in this part, I suppose they must be migrants on the south coast, although their time of arrival and departure, or where they go to, has always been a mystery to me. They are occasionally found in most counties in England, though but rarely in Scotland. I have often myself fallen in with several scattered birds when shooting in the Fens near Cam- bridge, where, with the help of Partridges, Snipe, Duck, Teal and Hares, a good mixed bag was not unfrequently made up during the early part of the winter. I now and then heard of as many as seven or eight brace being killed in a day, but that was usually in the beginning of September. I have also good proof that they nested in the neighbour- hood, as one of the specimens in the case was shot on Bottisham 'Fen in May, 1861 ; the remainder being bagged on Swaff ham Fen near Cambridge in November, 1862. The clear " dactyl "-like breeding note of this bird, once recognized, can never be forgotten. It can be heard every summer along the north side of the Downs. I have occasionally heard it in Hertfordshire. — Ed. CHAFFINCH. Case 272. Though the Chaffinch is a resident at all times and seasons in the British Islands, numbers arrive in the autumn from the north of Europe, and having had wings sent me from the lightships during the early spring I conclude our visitors depart again at that season. The specimens in the case were obtained in the neighbourhood of Brighton in May, 1872. GOLDFINCH. Case 273. Thanks to the bird-catchers Goldfinches have greatly decreased in the last twenty years. It is seldom that a flock of from fifteen to twenty is met with at the present time where formerly the birds could be seen in hundreds. The specimens in the case were obtained at Hickling in Norfolk in June, 1873. MAESH TIT. Case 274. The present is a widely distributed though exceedingly local'species. The specimens in the case were obtained near Plumpton in Sussex in March, 1866. 1 86 PIGMY.— (SUMMER). Case 275. The Pigmy in summer plumage is but seldom obtained in the British Islands. At this season the bird appears somewhat shy and wary. I have when shooting on the Norfolk mudbanks during May, frequently observed one or two at a distance, though I was never lucky enough to procure more than the pair in the case. The specimens were killed on Breydon mudflats in May, 1871. See "Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 26. SCLAVONIAN GREBE -(WINTER). Case 276. The visits of this Grebe are usually more numerous during the winter than at any other season. The specimens in the case were shot on Heigham Sounds in Norfolk in December, 1871. EARED GEEBE. Case 277. This species must, I should imagine, from its great similarity to the Sclavonian Grebe, be occasionally overlooked, unless in the perfect adult dress. It is however by no means common ; the single specimen in the case (shewing the winter plumage) is the only one I have ever met with. The bird wras shot at sea between Shoreham and Lancing on December 7th, 1879. Within a mile of the same spot I observed on that day all our species °of British Grebes. i87 PIGMY. — (MATURE, AUTUMN AND WINTER). Case 278. The Curlew Sandpiper, or Pigmy, as it is more commonly called, is here represented in both autumn and winter plumage. During autumn mature birds are not uncommon on the eastern coast, being usually found in small parties of from two or three to half-a-dozen, occasion- ally, though very seldom, joining with the immature birds of their own species, appearing rather to prefer the company of Dunlins or Knots. I have never met with this bird between November and the latter end of April ; the specimen that is shown in its full winter dress being singularly enough killed on Breydon mudflats on the 26th May, 1871, the remainder were shot the following autumn in the same locality. See " Eough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 26. . COLE TIT. Case 279. The Cole Tit is common from north to south, being particularly abundant among the fir planta- tions in the Highlands. The specimens were obtained in the Tarlogie woods near Tain in Ross-shire in June, 1869. SISKIN. Case 280. A few of these birds may be met with nesting in some of the northern counties of Scotland ; as a rule however the flocks that visit us during the winter take their departure on the approach of spring. i88 The specimens in the case together with their nest and eggs were obtained in the Tarlogie Woods near Tain in Boss-shire in June, 1869. . See " Bough Notes," Vol. L, Plate 34. GREENFINCH. Case 281. The present species is one of our commonest birds, being met with in almost every part of the British Islands where the land is cultivated. The specimens in the case were obtained at Portslade near Brighton in June, 1872. TWITE. Case 282. These birds may generally be found every winter in flocks along the south coast either by themselves or in company with Linnets and other small birds. They seem to have a particular fancy for some food that is found among the weeds on the mud- banks that are covered by the high tides ; if driven from these spots they are sure to return after a short flight. I have frequently, when in Caithness and Sutherland, endeavoured to discover the nest of this species, but although the birds themselves were plentiful on some parts of the moors I never succeeded in finding either young or eggs. Some of these birds appeared to remain in small flocks all through the summer. The specimens in the case w^ere shot on the mudbanks in Shoreham Harbour in December, 1869. 1 89 PIGMY.— (IMMATURE). Case 283. Large flocks of immature birds are occasion- ally met with in suitable localities during autumn all round our coasts. The Nook at Eye Harbour on the Sussex coast 'was formerly one of their most favourite feeding grounds ; grass marshes however were pre- ferred by the owners of the land to sea-water mudbanks, and a wall having been built the tide was at last successfully kept back. I happened the first autumn after the alteration to be present when a large mixed flock of Pigmies arid Stints after wheeling round two or three times settled down among the sheep which were now the occupants of their former quarters ; after running about in the grass for a time apparently bewildered by the alteration that had taken place in the nature of the soil, they at last became acquainted with the state of affairs, and uttering a shrill cry the whole flock took wing, evidently disgusted with the trans- formation that had been effected. The specimens were obtained at Rye in Sussex in September, 1858. LITTLE GREBE.— (SUMMER). Case 284. This small diver is plentiful in Great Britain,, being found during summer from north to south. I have seen as many as three or four pairs engaged with their broods on some of the smaller lochs in Ross-shire and have also met with them in both Sutherland and Caithness. In England it may be said to occur in almost every county ; it is however strange that in the larger broads in Norfolk, where there are endless reed-beds and swamps apparently adapted to its habits the bird is by no means common. The specimens in the case were obtained at a small muddy loch near Tain in Eoss-shire in June, 1869. LITTLE GREBE.— (WINTER). Case 285. This case shows the Little Grebe (or Dabchick, as it is frequently called) in its winter dress. The specimens were obtained in the neighbour- hood of Shoreham in Sussex in November, 1870. TEMMINCK'S STI^x T.— (SUMMER). Case 286. It is by no means a common occurrence for this species to be met with in Great Britain during the summer months. Though occasionally observed in the spring while on its way to its breeding grounds in Lapland, it has at that time hardly acquired the full summer plumage. The specimen was shot on the mudflats in Shoreham Harbour in July, 1878. See " Eough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 30. LINNET.— (SUMMER). Case 287. Brown Linnets do not at the present time appear to be nearly so abundant as they were in my bird-nesting days about five and twenty years ^go- Improvements in agriculture, such as breaking up of waste lands and furze-covered downs, together with the persecution they annually suffer from the nets of the bird-catchers have kept on gradually reducing their numbers till in some parts of the country they are now almost become rare birds. They are however still numerous during the early part of the winter near Brighton. I find the average take for one pair of nets of a morning is between thirty and fifty dozen. The hens are killed, the males sent to London. I have noticed them some winters joining with the Twites and frequenting the weeds that grow on the salt-water mudbanks in Shoreham Harbour. Some years ago in East Lothian I discovered a nest of thi& bird in the side of a wheat stack at about fourteen feet from the ground. The young were just on the point of flying. It was rather singular that in the thatch of the adjoining stack a Partridge was sitting on fourteen eggs. The specimens in the case, male, female and brood, were obtained on the Downs in the neigh- bourhood of Brighton in June, 1870. REDPOLL. Case 288. This lively little bird breeds plentifully in the Highlands of Scotland and also in several of the northern and midland counties of England. I have seen nests in the neighbourhood of Brighton, but from the appearance of the parent birds I should judge that in every instance they had escaped from confinement. During winter they are found in large flocks in all parts of the country. For some time I watched the specimens that are in the case engaged in building their nest, which was placed in an alder bush close to a stream and lined with the white floss that forms the flower of the cotton grass. I observed that the female performed the whole of the work collecting the materials and also working them together, the male at times accompanying her while gathering them, 192 but simply amusing himself by flitting from twig to twig without offering the slightest assistance. The male and female were obtained at Potter Heigham in Norfolk in June, 1873, the young having been caught in some gardens in Brighton in August, 1869. MEALY REDPOLL. Case 289. This species is only an autumn and winter visitor to our shores, at times appearing in con- siderable flocks. I have known it plentiful in Sussex, frequent- ing the alder bushes in the interior of the county and also being occasionally met with in the immediate neighbourhood of Brighton. In Norfolk the vicinity of Norwich appears a most favourite locality for this bird. It is also at times observed in various other parts of the British Islands. The specimens in the case were obtained among the alder trees on the banks of the Heigham river near Norwich in December, 1873. LINNET.— (WINTER). Case 290. It will be seen by the specimens in the case that during winter the male birds of this species lose the handsome crimson feathers that adorn their breasts in summer and take in their place others of a more sober claret colour. If kept in confinement they never regain the bright colour when they have once lost it. The specimens in the case were obtained between Rottingdean and Newhaven in Sussex during the severe weather in December, 1874. 193 TEMMINCK'S STINT.— (IMMATURE). Case 291. A few of these birds may generally be met with every autumn in suitable localities all round our southern and eastern coasts. I have observed them at times in the neigh- bourhood of the fresh-water broads in Norfolk and have also found them frequenting the mudbanks of Breydon and the flat harbours on the Sussex coast. The specimens in the case were obtained on Breydon mudflats in September, 1872. See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 31. RED-NECKED GREBE. Case 292. The Red-Necked Grebe is of uncertain occur- rence in the British Islands ; the majority of the specimens procured are however obtained along the eastern coast. The bird in the case exhibits the immature plumage and was shot on Breydon mudflats in August, 1873. See "Rough Nates," Vol. III., Plate 21. DUNLIN.— (SUMMER). Case 293. The Dunlin breeds abundantly on the moors in the northern parts of the island. During autumn, winter and early spring, they may be met with in smaller or larger flocks all round our shores, occasionally after stormy weather making their appearance inland^ About the middle of November, 1872, the coast of Norfolk was visited by a terrific gale 194 which commencing on the Monday morning raged with unabated fury during the whole week. The first day the wind blew in furious squalls from north-north-east and from day light till about 3 p.m. a continuous stream of Dunlins kept flying along the shore in face of the storm, flock after flock following one another in rapid succession for at least six hours. I was able to distinguish a few Knots, Grey Plovers, God wits and Turnstones among them, but the numbers of these birds were trifling compared with the Dunlins. The following day several scattered flocks were still passing north and till the end of the week a few were noticed flying in the same direction. Those naturalists who complain that our smaller waders are on the decrease, would, I think, have had their minds set at rest had they been for half-an-hour only within sight of Yarmouth beach on Monday, the llth of November, 1872. The specimens in the case were obtained on "the Fendom,"a flat sandy waste in the neighbour- hood of Tain in Koss-shire in June, 1869. TEMMINCK'S STINT.— (WINTER). Case 294. The mature bird in its winter dress is but seldom observed in this country. The specimens in the case were shot on Brey- don mudflats in September, 1872. See " Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 31. WHINCHAT. Case 295. During the summer months the Whinchat may be found widely distributed over the British Islands. 195 On his first arrival in the spring the male is a bright handsome bird ; at the time of his departure however in the autumn he can hardly be distin- guished from his plainly-dressed family. The specimens in the case (with the exception of the male, who was shot earlier in the season) were obtained at Potter Heigham in Norfolk in July, 1870. HOUSE SPARROW. Case 296. The present case is copied from a sketch made at Falmer, near Brighton, where a Sparrow's nest wras placed in a hole among the crumbling chalk and mould in an overhanging bank. The specimens were obtained in the neigh- bourhood of Brighton in June, 1872. A specimen of the darker variety known as the Town Sparrow is preserved in Case A. See " Rough Notes," Vol. I, Plates 32 and 33. TREE SPARROW. Case 297. This bird is common in the east of Norfolk, in a few localities being equally as numerous as its relative the House Sparrow. In Sussex I have occasionally seen large flights pass over during winter ; and in April, 1875, I noticed several with a large flock of Bramblings and Chaffinches that remained for several weeks feed- ing in the fields near Falmer. I have not however observed the Tree Sparrow breeding in this county. Large flocks arrive from the north of Europe in the autumn. On several occasions I have met with them in the North Sea many miles from land, at times appearing much fatigued and remaining on board for several hours to rest. 196 The following statement in reference to the present species appears in a well known ornitho- logical work :— " It is now perfectly clear that this bird resides amongst trees only, and that it makes it nest in holes and cavities of. such as are decayed, and never amongst the branches nor in buildings." I took particular trouble to hunt for the breed- ing quarters of these birds round several farms in the east of Norfolk, and in every instance the nest was placed amongst the buildings ; some in cow- sheds, others under the tiles of the out-houses, and three or four among the rough stems of some particularly coarse ivy that grew over an old wall. Not one did I discover among the trees, though the House Sparrows were breeding plentifully both in the branches and the ivy round the trunks. The male and female in this sparrow are alike ; the young also exhibit the same markings in their first feathers. The specimens in the case were obtained at Pptter Heigham in Norfolk in June, 1873. STONE CHAT,- (SUMMER). Case 298. The Stone Chat is widely distributed over the British Islands, frequenting open heaths and furze- covered downs. A few remain with us during the winter, but their numbers are increased in the spring by arrivals from the Continent. The specimens in the case were obtained on the Downs near Brighton in June, 1872. LITTLE STINT.— (SUMMER). Case 299. This elegant little wader (which both in habits and appearance takes after the Dunlin, while the 197 Temminck's Stint more closely resembes the common Sandpiper) is found on several parts of our coasts during spring and autumn. The numbers however that are met with are far greater at the latter season, when the majority of the flocks are composed of immature birds. Two of the specimens in the case were shot on Hickling Broad in June, 1870, and the remainder on Breydon mudflats in May, 1871. See " Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 29. DUNLIN. — (IMMATURE). Case 300. The immature birds are here shown in their first feathers. In this stage they frequently make their appearance on the mud banks in the south as early as the end of July or beginning of August. The specimens in the case were shot in Shore- ham Harbour in August, 1872. DUNLIN.— (WINTER). Case During winter these birds occasionally collect in immense flocks, at times keeping company with Knots and other waders. The specimens in the case were shot between Shoreham and Lancing in Sussex in January, 1870* LITTLE STINT.— (AUTUMN). Case 302. From August to October these birds are occasionally found in suitable localities all round our coasts. Before the mudbanks at Eye Harbour in Sussex were drained, large flocks of Stints used annually to visit the spot ; the change that has been effected has however considerably reduced their numbers, though small parties, I believe, still make their appearance in the neighbourhood of their former haunts. The specimens in the case were shot in the back-water at Rye Nook in Sussex in September, 1858. See " Eough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 29. STONE CHAT.— (AUTUMN). Case 303. The present case shows the more sober colour- ing that this species exhibits during the autumn and winter months. The specimens were shot between Shoreham and Lancing in Sussex in September, 1875. BULLFINCH. Case 304. This well-known bird is met with in most parts of the British Islands. Though apparently rather out of their latitude, I observed a small flock one winter amongst the stunted fir-trees and rough stones near the summit of the hills to the north of Glenlyon in Perthshire ; the Bullfinch may however be found during summer in most of the Highland glens where there is sufficient cover to provide them with nesting quarters. The specimens in the case were obtained near Plumpton in Sussex in January, 1870. 199 GOLDEN EAGLE. Case 305. The Golden Eagle is stated by several writers to be rapidly disappearing from the British Islands ; there is however I am well convinced, but little fear that the bird is in any danger of being exterminated for many years to come. If the Eagles of former days showed any bravery in the defence of their nests and young I am afraid the race has sadly degenerated, as more cowardly brutes than those specimens of the " noble bird" that have come under my own observation would be hard to find. The case is copied from a nest in Sutherland- shire. The specimens were obtained in the Western Highlands in the spring of 1877. GOLDEN EAGLE.— IMMATURE). Case 306. The Eagles are here shown in different stages of plumage. The bird on the left hand is almost adult ; the other, in the immature state, probably just a year old. Both specimens were trapped in the Western Highlands in the spring of 1877. See " Kough Notes," Vol. L, Plates 1 and 3. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. (IMMATURE). Case 307. The specimen to the left was obtained in Norfolk, January 13th, 1873. N.B. — This case was prepared by Mr. Booth, but was not noticed in his Descriptive Catalogue. 2OO GEEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.— (WINTER). Case 308. During winter the snow white head and neck of the mature bird becomes slightly marked with grey,, and the bright colours on the beak are less intense. The specimen in the case was captured in a vermin trap baited with a dead Pochard that! had set for the benefit of the Grey Crows that came in flocks to consume the food of some Decoy Ducks I was keeping on Hickling Broad in the winter of 1872. Case A (See p. 203). AVOCET. Case B. A hundred years ago this species bred in various localities in England, including Bye in Sussex. It is now a rare visitor only. The specimens in the case were shot by the Rev. R. N". Dennis oti July 14th, 1853, at the upper tide mill near New- haven, Sussex. They comprise an adult bird and two young of the year. They were presented by the Eev. Chancellor Parish. See Borrer's " Birds of Sussex," p. 214. GLOSSY IBIS. Case C. This rare straggler to England was shot between Arundel and Ford, Sussex, in October, 1876. It was presented by Mr. Henry Willett. See Borrer's " Birds of Sussex," p. 325. GADWALL. Case D. Mr. Booth only met with this rare duck on two occasions. !The specimens in the case were shot by him on December 201 15th, 1881, on Hickling Broad, Norfolk. They are both young drakes in their first autumn plumage. See " Eough Notes/' Vol. III., Plate 7. LAPLAND BUNTING Case E. This rare visitor has been obtained most often in Norfolk and Sussex. The severe, winter of 1890-1 brought them over in considerable numbers to the former county, when several were observed also in Sussex. Two of the specimens in the case (the front specimen in the middle of the case and the back specimen to the left) were caught November 5th, 1890, on the Downs near Brighton. The male and female in summer plumage were obtained alive near Yarmouth (Norfolk) the same autumn, and kept in an aviary till the following spring. The other three specimens were shot at Cley-by-the-Sea (Norfolk) during the same winter. ICELAND GULL. Case.F. This immature specimen was shot beyond Bottingdean toward the end of the winter of 1889-90 by a boy at Brighton College. It is an Arctic species, seldom wandering so far south even in the immature state. Mature birds have very rarely been observed even in the extreme north of Britain. The samphire and wild stock in the case were brought from the cliffs near Rottingdean. GAEGANEY.— (NESTLINGS). Case G. The young birds in this case were obtained by Mr. Booth at Potter Heigham June 16th, 1883. He states, that the mother duck was "with them, appearing perfectly regard- less of danger on her own account, and seldom attempting to rise on wing until approached within four or five paces. .When caught they were beside a high road at least a mile from any marsh which would seem suitable for the nest. 2O2 FORK-TAILED PETREL. Case H. These birds are resident in St. Kilda and one or two other islands of the Outer Hebrides ; they are occasionally obtained in stormy weather on our southern coasts. The bird stuffed in a flying position was found lying dead under telegraph wires at Creagorry, Benbecula, November 5th, 1894, and was presented by Mr. William Bain, of that place. One of the others was shot at Loch Melford, Argyleshire, September 28th, 1891, by Mr. A. D. Laurie, who presented it to the Museum. The third was picked up dead on the Brunswick Lawns, Brighton, in the winter about 1870, and was purchased in 1895. The specimen of Helix Caperata is from Benbecula and the Bulinms Acutus are from close to Flora Macdonald's birthplace in South Uist. LITTLE BITTERN. Case I. This species formerly nested in England, but is now a rare visitor only. The specimen is a young male, captured alive in a stable at Hove on the morning of September 3rd, 1894. Some of the extraordinary attitudes assumed by this bird after its capture are described in the Zoologist for 1894, p. 454, and it is stuffed in one such attitude. It was presented by Mr. Henry Willett. SHORT-EARED OWL.— (NEST AND YOUNG). Case J. This day-flying owl still nests occasionally in the fens and broads, and breeds regularly in the north of Scotland and the Hebrides. The three young birds in the case were obtained by the late Mr. Booth in Norfolk on June 23rd, 1881. When disturbed near their nests, I have seen the old birds circling in the air round the intruder, uttering their bark-like note. On one such occasion I saw them rising to a considerable height in the air, and then dropping nearly to the ground, repeatedly beating their wings together over their backs with a distinct crack which could be heard at a considerable distance. 203 KB. — The Committee is taking steps to obtain the materials of an old nest of this species. Meanwhile the case is awaiting completion. Case A. This case contains many specimens left uncased by Mr. Booth. Also other specimens acquired since his death. Among the former are : — KITE. A nestling just hatched. See " Rough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 9. MONTAGU'S HARRIER A nestling just hatched. See " .Rough Notes," Vol. I., Woodcut. MERLIN. An immature male shot on Shoreham beach in April, 1876. See " Rough Notes," Vol. I., Plate 13. NORTHERN WILLOW WREN. Of this specimen Mr. Booth wrote : — " Scientific naturalists inform us that in the Arctic regions the Willow Wren ( ' Phylloscopus trochilus) loses all traces of yellow and green in its plumage. To this form, viz., the Arctic Willow Wren, I conclude a specimen I shot in Sussex early in May, 1876, must be ascribed. Before shooting the bird I had little or no opportunity of observing it, the weather being exceedingly boisterous. The note, which appeared to resemble that of a Whitethroat, first attracted my attention, when I fired at once, being at the time engaged in procuring a few small birds for a tame Owl. Owing to a heavy shower it was impossible either to see clearly or hear distinctly; so I do not pretend to describe the note accurately, I merely state my first impression." See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 5, which shews this specimen, together with an ordinary individual (obtained in the spring) for comparison. 2O4 HOOPOE. Obtained with Mr. Robinson on his farm at Saddles- combe, near Poynings, Sussex, on the 24th of April, 1882. It was found on a bare ploughed field in a high wind. See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 2. WHOOPEE. The numbers of these fine birds that visit the southern portion of the British Islands vary with the seasons ; considerable flocks being at times observed during protracted frost all round our coasts, and on any of the larger sheets of inland water that remain open ; while during mild weather few, if any, make their appearance. In the north of Scotland they arrive in the autumn and remain during the winter, frequenting the shallow lochs where food is abundant, unless driven from their haunts by the severity of the weather. The specimen in the case was shot in Romney Marsh, in Kent, during the winter of 1859 or I860. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 2. CANADA GOOSE. Shot February 28th, 1878, near Xorwich. COMMON SCOTER. A male, with a white patch under the throat, the yellow mark on the beak continued over the nail. Shot January 10th, 1881, off Shpreham, Sussex. See Mr. J. H. Gurney's paper in the " Zoologist," August, 1894. 205 SMEW. An immature male, shot on Hickling Broad on 24th January, 1882, having just caught and with great difficulty disposed of a roach of considerable size. See " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 14. GREAT ARCTIC DIVER. An immatuie specimen, shot December 14th, 1872, on Hickling Broad. Mr. Booth describes how, after being wounded, first by the punt gun, and' then with a shoulder gun, it charged the punt open-mouthed and would have come right on board if it had not been seized and killed. RED-NECKED GREBE. A very large adult, in winter plumage, obtained off Shoreham, Sussex, by Mr. Booth, after the gales of January, 1881. See " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 22. Another specimen, in immature plumage, was shot off the Chain Pier, Brighton, October 3rd, 1877, by Mr. Harman, \vho has presented it to the Collection. BRIDLED GUILLEMOT. A specimen in winter plumage, shot off Bottingdean,. December 17th, 1878. See « Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 24. POMERINE SKUA. Specimens in the first autumn plumage and inter- mediate stages are those figured in " Bough Notes," Vol. III., Plates 43 and 44. 2O6 PUFFIN. A young specimen. Probably that referred to by Mr. Booth in his " Bough Notes " as caught off Brighton, July 1st, 1874. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 25. GOLDEN EYE. A specimen obtained at Shoreham, Sussex, on January 12th, 1883, by the late Mr. Booth. Is in an unusual state of plumage. It was believed by Mr. Booth at the time to have been a specimen of the Icelandic form, but a comparison with skins obtained in Iceland in the summer of 1895 shews that in our specimen the beak is not thick enough at the nostril to belong to that form. It is apparently a very old duck, with a tendency to assume the wider white bars on the wing of the drake. Thanks are due to Mr. Pratt, for ing the loan of the Iceland skins above referred to. (Ed.) EIDER DUCK. Two immature drakes, shot off Lancing, October 4th, 1882. See " Rough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 9. PIED WAGTAIL (IMMATURE). A specimen in the autumn plumage with the canary- coloured head, obtained by Mr. Booth. Another similar specimen shot at Shoreham, Sussex, November 8th, 1873, by Mr. A. F. Griffith, and presented by him. Among those acquired since Mr. Booth's death, besides the Red-necked Grebe and the pied Wagtail above referred to, are the following : — HONEY BUZZAED. Shot at Pett Level, Rye, October 20th, 1889. Acquired by purchase. 207 BLUE BREAST. Obtained at Cley-by-the-Sea, Norfolk, September, 1891, by Edward Eamm. Acquired by purchase. FIRE CRESTED WREN. Obtained near Brighton, October 21st, 1868. Acquired by purchase. PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE. A pair, obtained in 1888, near Langham, Norfolk. Presented by Mr. Neale F. E. Kippingall. SOLITARY SNIPE. Obtained near Oxford, October, 1867. Presented by Mrs. Griffith. BAILLON'S CRAKE. Caught in a bird net on the Downs near the Ditchling Road, September 2nd, 1894. Presented by Mr. Henry Willett. See "Zoologist," 1894, p. 427. BERNACLE GOOSE. A fine male specimen, shot January 10th, 1896, on the river between Old Shoreham and New Shoreham, Sussex. Presented by Messrs. Pratt & Sons. LITTLE AUK. Three specimens, obtained January, 1895, near Stromness, Orkney. Acquired by purchase. 208 Brighton public library EOYAL PAVILION", CHUECH STEEET. The Public Library comprises two departments, Eeference and Lending. A. REFERENCE DEPARTMENT.— The Eeference Library, which is open to all readers without introduction or guarantee, contains nearly 15,000 volumes. These comprise not only Atlases, Directories, Gazetteers, Dictionaries of many languages and special subjects, Encyclopaedias, Almanacks, Calendars, &c., but the more costly works in the Library, and several special collec- tions, including Theology, Classics, Italian works, Natural History and Oriential languages. Also a valuable one of works relating to the history and topography of the town and county. The Eeference Library is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. B. LENDING DEPARTMENT.— This department (the VICTORIA LENDING LIBRARY) contains nearly 28,000 volumes of a very comprehensive character adapted to the wants, both of study and of recreation, of every class of the community. The latest and best books are constantly being added. Eatepayers can use it on their own guarantee ; Non-Eatepayers (whether inhabitants or visitors) are entitled to borrow on obtaining a voucher signed by a Eatepayer. The Lending Library is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Eules and Eegulations can be obtained on application at the Library. F. W. MADDEN, M.E.A.S., Librarian. 2O9 public fIDuseum, CHUKCH STKEET. The Public Museum collections (except the Booth Collection) are exhibited at the Koyal Pavilion. The entrance is in Church Street. They comprise — The Willett collection of Chalk Fossils, The Holmes collection of Wealden Fossils, The Ashbury collection of Peruvian Antiquities and Polynesian Arms, &c., The Ashbury and Davidson collection of minerals, The Willett collection of English Pottery (on loan), A fine collection of Stone Implements, And large general collections of Natural History, Geology and Antiquities. Open free from 10 a.m. till dusk. BENJAMIN LOMAX, Curator. Corporation picture (Sailer^ This Gallery contains pictures in oils and water colours belonging to the town. In addition an Exhibition of Water Colours is held from the middle of May to the end of September ; and it is then succeeded by an Exhibition of Paintings in oils from the 1st November till the end of February. Admission to these Exhibitions is on payment of. sixpence for the first month, afterwards the admission is free. During the winter months the Gallery is open free on three evenings in the week from 7 to 9.30, and is lighted by electricity. Information respecting the annual Exhibitions may be obtained of the Curator. BENJAMIN LOMAX, Curator. 211 INDEX CASE NO. PAGE. 280 Aberdevine ... ... 187 A Auk, Little ... ... 207 B . Avocet ... ... ... 200 69 Bittern, Common ... ... 52 I „ Little ... ... 202 175 Blackbird ... ... 128 25 Blackcap ... ... 17 68 Blackcock ... ... 49 A Bluebreast ,.. ... 207 265,266 Brambling ... ... 181 87 Brent ... ... ... 74 304 Bullfinch ... ... 198 182 Bunting, Common... .. 131 193 , „ Girl ... ... 138 E [ „ Lapland ... ... 201 194 „ Beed ... ... 138 A, 185 „ Snow ... ... 132 190 „ Yellow ... ... 136 A, 41 Butcher Bird ... ... 27 61,66 Buzzard, Common ... ... 44,48 A „ Honey ... ... 206 72 Capercaillie ... ... 54 272 Chaffinch ... ... 185 42 Chiffchaff ... ... 28 96 Chough ... ... ... 80 182 Clodbird... ... ... 131 262, 263 Coot ... .. ... 179, 180 73,78 Cormorant, Common ... 54,66 79 „ Green or Crested 66 270 Corncrake ... ... 183 A Crake, Baillon's ... ... 207 268 „ Spotted ... ... 182 192 Creeper, Tree ... ... 137 116 Crossbill... ... ... 95 104 Crow, Black or Carrion ... 87 103 „ Grey, Boyston, Hooded or Saddleback ... ... 85 59,60 Cuckoo ... ... ... 43, 44 A, 26 Cuckoo's Mate ... ... 18 A, 44 ; Curlew ... ... ... 29 212 CASE NO. PAGE. 275, 278, 283 Curlew, Pigmy ••• ••• 186,187,189 41 189, 190 96 154, 157 205 158, 160 129 131 130 130 146 144 143 146 75, 77, 78, 206 200 42 141, 142, 206 148 205 78 92 82, 83 139 37 193, 197 1, 199 1 166 125 207 137 132 177 200 113, 115 42, 201 2 107, 112 103 18 141, 142, 206 185 168, 169 68 56 „ Stone 284, 285 Dabchick 120 Dipper ... A, 220, 225 Diver, Black-throated A „ Great Arctic 226, 231 „ Bed-throated 178 Dotterel ... 181 „ Kentish . . . 180 „ Intermediate Eing A, 179 „ Eing 210 Dove, Eing 205 „ Eock 204 - „ Stock 211 „ Turtle A, 88, 92, 93 Duck, Eider D „ Gad wall 57 Garganey . . . A, 201, 202 „ Golden-eye ... 213 „ Long- tailed ... A „ Nun 94 „ Pintail 111 „ Scaup 99, 100 „ Shoveller A, 196 ' „ Tufted 51 „ Wild 293, 300, 301 Dunlin ... 1, 305, 306 Eagle, Golden 2 „ Sea or White-tailed 240 Falcon, Peregrine ... 168 . Fieldfare... A Firecrest ... 191 Flycatcher, Pied ... 184 „ Spotted A, 259 Fulmar ... D Gad wall ... 153, 154 Gannet ... G, 57 Garganey 4 Goatsucker 143, 144, 151 God wit, Bar- tailed... 136 „ Black-tailed 27 Goldcrest A, 201, 202 Golden-eye 273 Goldfinch A, 243, 244 Goosander 81 Goose, Bean 2I3 CASE NO. PAGE. A Goose, Bernacle 207 87 „ Brent 74 A „ Canada 204 76 „ Grey-lag 64 153, 154 „ Solan 113, 115 82 „ White-fronted 70 277 Grebe, Eared 186 250,255,256,261 „ Great Crested 172,175,176, 178 284, 285 „ Little 189, 190 A, 292 „ Eed-necked... 193, 205 A, 269, 276 „ Sclavonian ... 183, 186 281 Greenfinch 188 A, 95, 98 Greenshank 79,82 68 Grey Hen 49 68 Grouse, Black 49 71, 75 Grouse, Eed 54, 62 236, 237 Gull, Black-headed 163 238, 239 „ Common 164, 165 234 „ Glaucous 162 155,233,307,308 „ Greater Black-backed ... 116,161,199, 200 A, 228, 229 „ Herring . 158, 160 F „ Iceland 201 217, 218 „ Lesser Black-backed ... 150, 153 118 „ Little 95 91 Guillemot, Black ... 76 85, 90 „ Common 71,76 A, 84 „ Kinged or Bridled 71, 205 62 Harrier, Hen 45 63 „ Marsh ... 46 A, 65 „ Montagu's 48, 203 115 Hawfinch 94 67 Heron, Common ... 49 103 Hoodie ... 85 A Hoopoe ... 204 C Ibis, Glossy 200 101 Jackdaw.., 83 108 Jay 91 48 Kestrel ... 35 45 Kingfisher 30 222, 223 Kittiwake 156 A, 241, 242 Kite 167, 168, 203 142, 145, 150 Knot 106, 108, 110 270 Landrail... 183 A, 13 Lapwing... 10 174 Lark, Shore 127 166, 169 „ Sky 121, 125 CASE NO. ^m Lark, Wood . , ... ... PAGE. 129 287, 290 Linnet 190, 192, 282 „ Mountain ... 188 109 Magpie ... 91 11, 18 Martin, House 8,13 8, 10 . ,. Sand 6, 7 249 Merganser 171 A, 47 Merlin ... 33, 203 260 Moorhen... 177 265, 266 Mountain Finch ... - ... 181 A, 114, 117 Nightingale. .. 94, ,95 4 Mghtjar ... 2 148 Nuthatch 109 167 Oriole, Golden 124 245, 246 Osprey 169, 170 160 Ouzel, Ring 119 ; 120 „ Water ... ... 96 54 Owl, Earn 41 49 „ , Long-eared ... 36 J, 50 „ Short-eared ... ... 37, 202 55 „. Tawny 41 53 Oyster Catcher 39 86 Partridge, Common 73 83 , „ French or Red-legged 70 A, 13 Peewit ... 10 240 Peregrine ... ... 166 H Petrel, Fork-tailed... 202* A, 259 „ Fulmar 177 264 „ Storm 180 212 Phalarope, Grey 147 89 Pheasant 76 17, 59 Pipit, Meadow 12, 43 19 ,„. Rock , ... , 13 ; 16 .„ Scandinavian Rock 11 20 Trpp j j . JL i CTC' ... • • • • • * 14 A, 6, 7 Plover, Golden 4,5 A, 13 „ Green 10 A, 14, 15, 22 - „ Grey_ 11, 15 181 „ Kentisli 131 56 , „ Norfolk ... 41 A, 179 . .„ Ringed ... 130 180 „ „ „ . Intermediate ... 130 105 Pochard . . . . 89 106 Paget's ... . 90 74, 77, SO Ptarmigan .... ... ... 56. 65, 67 A. 2315 Puffin 162, 206 215 CASE NO. 271 Quail 268 Railv Spotted. ... . . 267 „ Water 97 Ravon ... 214,216 Razor-bill A, 32, 37, 40 Reed Pheasant ... 288 Redpoll, Lesser .... 289 „ Mealy A, 157, 162 Redshank, Common 156 -,r Spotted... 140 Redstart ... 139 Black 133 „ Grey 161 Redwing ... 137, 138 Robin ...... 102 Rook , ..: A, 170, 173 Ruff A, 163, 164, 165 Sanderling ... ... A Sand Grouse 121, 126 Sandpiper, Common 275, 278, 283 . . . „ Curlew ... A, 29 . „ Green - ... 171, 172 . . .„ Purple ...... : : A, 30,31 , „ Wood ... 111 Scaup ... A, 207 Scoter, Common 208 , „. Velvet A, 235 Sea Parrot . ... 79 Shag 230 Shearwater, Manx 46 Shieldrake .... 99, 100 Shoveller A, 41 Shrike, Red-backed 280 Siskin A, 221, 224, 227 Skua, Arctic or Richardson5! 113 „ Buffon's A, 215, 219 „ Pomerine A Smew 186, 189 Snipe, Common A .„ . Great or Solitary 195 ,,. Jack . A, 43 Sparrow-Hawk 28 Sparrow, Hedge ... A, 296 i „ House 194; . „ Reed 297 Tree ... PAGE. 184 182 182 80 148, 149 22, 25, 27 191 192 117, 120 117 105 104 102 120 104 84 125, 127 121 207 97, 99 186, 187, 189 20 126, 127 21 92 145,204 145 162, 206 66 160 32 82, 83 27 187 155,157,158 93 149, 153, 205 205 132, 134 207 138 28 20 195 / 138; ; 195 2l6 PAGE. ... 47 ... 128, 131 ... 196, 197 ... 190, 193, 194 ... 196, 198 ... 53 ... 3 ... 116 ... 113 ... 204 ... 2 ... 43 ... 142,144 ... 175, 176 ... 141 ... 90,92 ... 145 ... 140 ... 170, 173 ... 41 ... 119 ... 118 ... 12,43 ... 22, 25, 27 ... 98 ... 187 ... 97 ... 98 ... 98 ... 185 ... 98 ... 92, 96 ... 188 ... 101,103 ... 102 .. 100, 206 ... 100 ... 99 ... 207 ... 9 ... 24 ... 15 ... 16 ... 14 141, 146, 149 Wheatear ... ... 106, 109, 110 147 „ Large variety ... 109 CASE NO. 64 Spoonbill 176, 183 299, 302 Starling ... Stint, Little 286, 291, 294 „ Ternminck's ... 298, 303 Stonechat 70 Stork, White 5 Swallow ... 232 Swan, Bewick's 152 „ Mute A „ Whooper 3 Swift 58 Teal A, 203, 206 Tern, Arctic 254, 257 „ Black A, 199, 200 „ Common 107, 110 „ Lesser 209 „ Eoseate A, 197, 198 „ Sandwich 248, 251 „ White-winged 56 Thicknee 159 Thrush, Missel 158 Song 17,59 Titlark ... A, 32, 37, 40 Titmouse, Bearded... 125 Blue ... 279 Coal ... 122 „ Crested ... 123 Great ... 124 „ Long-tailed 274 „ Marsh . . . 125 Tom-tit ... 112, 119 Turnstone 282 Twite ... 132, 135 Wagtail, Grey 134 „ Grey-headed A, 130, 131 „ Pied 129 White ... 127, 128 Yellow ... A Warbler, Blue-throated 12 Dartford ... 36 „ Garden . . . 23 „ Grasshopper 24 Eeed 21 Sedge CASE NO. PAGE. 39 Whimbrel ... ... 26 295- Whinchat ... ...194- 33 Whitethroat ... ... 23 34 „ Lesser ... 23 A Whooper ... ... 204 A, 52 Wigeon ... ... ... 38 187,188 Woodcock ... ... 133,134 247 Woodpecker, Greater Spotted 170 252 „ Lesser Spotted 174 253, 258 „ Green ... 175, 176 210 Wood Pigeon ... ... 146 9 Wren ... ... ... 7 A „ Fire-crested... ... 207 27 „ Golden-crested ... 18 A „ Northern Willow ... 203 38 „ Willow ... ... 25 35 „ Wood ... ... 24 A, 26 Wryneck ... ... 18 190 Yellow Hammer 136 r U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES