BIRDS. 87 



sliore at low tide ; were very commou in all the localities that I visited 

 on Cumberland Island. Saw a good many on the Greenland coast. It 

 is said that some remain in the fjords of South Greenland all winter. 



They seem completely devoid of Itar, and can almost be caught with 

 the hands. Although such lovers of the rocky sea-shore, they nest on 

 the borders of fresh-water lakes. Hundreds were breeding a few miles 

 from our winter harbor, but it was impossible to reach the mainland on 

 account of the treacherous condition of the floating- ice. The specimens 

 collected by me on Cumberland Island differ so much from the Alaskan, 

 that I conjecture the probability of a western variety when a series can 

 be brought together for comparison. 



By the latter days of June very few were to be seen on the sea-shore, 

 they having- gone inland to breed. 



They apj)ear very sociable, and when a large flock is together they 

 keep up a livcl}' twitter, by no means unxjleasant. As the breeding 

 season approaches, the males have a peculiar cry, resembling- somewhat 

 that of Act if ur us hartramius, but lower and not so prolonged. When 

 this note is uttered they assume a very dignified strut, and often raise 

 the wings up over the back and slowly fold them again, like the upland 

 plover. After the breeding season commences very few are seen on the 

 sea-shore till the young are full-grown. They are somewhat crepuscular 

 in their habits. 



37. Tringa subarquata, (Gould) Temm. 



Not uncommon in North Greenland. Eggs were procured at Chris- 

 tianshaab, Greenland, through the kindness of Governor Edgar Fencker. 

 Not observed on any jjart of Cumberland that I visited. 



38. Tringa canutus, Liund. 



A small flock lit on the schooner's deck in November after the harbor 

 was frozen over. Saw none in the spring or summer. Seem to be quite 

 •common in North Greenland, but probably do not nest south of lat. 

 TOON. 



39. Calidris arenaria, Liuu, 



One small flock in September, 1877, at Niantihc; no specimens were 

 procured. 



40. Iiimosa hudsonica, (f) (Lath.) Sw. 



Two godwits were seen near Cape Edwards, on the west coast of 

 Cumberland Sound, in September, 1877, but I could not, with certainty, 

 ascertain the species. 



