RARE BIRDS KILLED IN THE WINTER OF 1837-8, 417 



the peculiar stern o-tracheal conformation of C. Bewickii and C. Americanus y 

 that on this ground alone, until the external characters of these two species were 

 compared, they were confidently assumed to be identical — and this notwith- 

 standing the analogy afforded by the admitted separateness, and corresponding 

 distribution, of C. buccinator and C. musicus. This instance is very valuable, 

 as administering a due amount of caution to those engaged in the endeavour to 

 identify fossil remains ; as it conclusively proves that absolute similarity does 

 not, in every case, constitute specific identity. 



Another addition to the catalogue of British-killed birds will probably be soon 

 made public by Mr. Hoy, who obtained two Geese in Norfolk, from a flock of 

 seven, it would appear of an undescribed species. Two shot Canada Geese 

 were brought, which possibly may have been wild birds from America ; but it is 

 not unlikely that they were partially domesticated, and perhaps bred in this 

 country.* 



The American Wigeon is a novelty which was obtained by Mr. Bartlett. 

 He selected it from a row of Common Wigeons, deeming it, at the time, to be 

 only an accidental variety of the species ; there was a female along with it, 

 which, after some hesitation, he unfortunately left, considering it also as a variety 

 but insufficiently diverse to be worth preserving ; he has since, however, posi- 

 tively recognised the female of the American Wigeon to be identical with the 

 bird he thus passed over, hesitatingly, in the market. The dimensions of the 

 male were 19 inches in length, and 32J inches in extent of wing ; Wilson's 

 admeasurement of the species being palpably erroneous, as will appear on com- 

 parison with those which he has given of the Mallard. The beak is rather 

 narrower than in its European relative, and nearly a quarter of an inch longer ; 

 the tracheal labyrinth, or rather osseous vesicle, considerably smaller ; scarcely 

 exceeding in magnitude that of a Teal. The specimen now enriches the collection 

 of E. Maude, Esq., of the Temple. 



While penning the preceding paragraph, my indefatigable friend, Mr. Bartlett, 

 has opportunely called upon me, to shew me a magnificent fresh-killed specimen 

 of the Squacco Heron, which he has just purchased ; it is said to have been sent 

 up from Suffolk, and its appearance plainly shews that it cannot have been dead 

 above a day. From the point of the beak to the extremity of the tail it measures 

 21 inches, and 32^ inches in extent of wing. Bill livid at base, darker towards 



* The Canada Goose, we know, from personal observation, exists in considerable flocks in 

 many parts of England, but invariably in a semi-domesticated state. We have repeatedly found 

 its nest close to the lake at Foston Hall, Derbyshire ; and noticed it sailing about with its brood. 

 It is, moreover, little likely that foreign individuals should visit Britain. The Canada Goose is 

 an extremely ornamental bird in a park, and its singular habits must have attracted the notice of 

 every one at all familiar with the species in its natural state. — Ed. 



