144 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



PURPLE SANDPIPER.— (Autumn.) 



Case 172. 



The specimens in the case were shot while resting on 

 one of the breakwaters near the north pier in Yar- 

 mouth harbour, during the gale, in November, 1872. 



RUFF.— (Autumn.) 



Case 173. 



The young in the immature plumage and old birds in 

 their autumn or winter dress are still plentiful on the 

 mudbanks on our eastern coast ; the greater number, I 

 expect, having arrived from foreign countries. I have 

 once or twice met with the Ruff during winter, but I 

 believe that their occurrence at that season is the 

 exception and not the rule. 



The specimens in the case were shot on Breydon 

 mudflats, in August, 1871. 



SHORE LARK. 



Case 174. 



The Shore Lark was formerly considered to be a rare 

 bird in Great Britain, a few only having been met with 

 during severe weather. At the present time, however, 

 it is well known that there are several localities on the 

 eastern coast where they may be always found from 

 November to March. They are usually seen in small 

 parties of from three or four to a dozen, or even a 



