44 Messrs. SHEPPARD and WuiTEeARr’s Catalogue 
few sometimes remain throughout the winter. At these times it 
is found in various states of plumage. Some of the birds killed 
in the spring have only partially acquired the red breast; and of 
those shot in autumn some have only partially lost it. This 
appears to be an exceedingly stupid species. We met with a 
flock of sixteen in September last, which, though repeatedly 
shot at, would not leave the spot, and were all killed. Some of 
them being wounded fell into the water, and swam about with 
great ease. À Redshank, which was shot the same day, showed 
an equal facility in swimming. The species was observed by. 
Captain Parry within the arctic circle. | 
6. T. Pugnax (Ruff). 
Ruffs and Reeves breed in the marshes of Norfolk ; but they 
are becoming scarcer every year, on account of the old birds 
being eagerly sought after as soon as they arrive, for the London 
market; to which place also the eggs are sent, together with those 
of many other marsh birds. The Reeve is very tenacious of her 
eggs. In the summer of 1817 one was taken upon the nest by 
the warrener's boy at Winterton, who carried it-to his master, 
and was ordered to set it at liberty: on the following day we 
found the same bird upon her eggs again. 
Genus LII. Totanus. 
1. T. fuscus (Spotted Snipe). 
A bird of this species, in the autumn plumage, was killed at 
Yarmouth, and preserved by Mr. Youell. Another, shot near 
Ipswich, in its summer dress, is now in the British Museum. 
Mr. Wigg of Yarmouth has also seen two other specimens which 
were shot near that town. 
The use of the small web between the outer and middle toes 
of this and of several other species of waders appears to be, to 
give 
