246 XUMENIUS ARQUATA. 



Variations. — Individuals of both sexes vary greatly in 

 size, the males measuring from twenty-seven to twenty-four 

 inches in length ; the females from twenty-four to twenty- 

 one. Some have more of the rufous tint on the head, neck, 

 and back ; but in other respects the variations are not 

 remarkable. 



Changes of Plumage. — The moult commences in June, 

 and is completed by the end of October. As the summer 

 advances the reddish tint disappears, and the feathers become 

 worn, ragged, and pointed, those portions of their margins 

 on which are the white spots generally coming off, as if they 

 had been eaten out by an acid. This appearance is pre- 

 sented by all the birds of this family which have the feathers 

 margined with white spots. 



Habits. — With the history of the Curlew might be con- 

 nected, and not inappropriately, not only much of the wild 

 scenery of Britain, but somewhat of the progress of civiliza- 

 tion amongst us ; but as these subjects have received ample 

 illustration from individuals better qualified to do them justice, 

 it seems advisable for us not to wander from our proper course. 



We may suppose that in the middle of October we are 

 traversing the extensive mud fiat that stretches at low water 

 from the village of Cramond to the ruins of Barnbogle Castle, 

 on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Many Gulls 

 are scattered over the sands, small flocks of Ducks are swim- 

 ming in the river, straggling bands of Terns hover and 

 scream along the edge of the water, here and there may be 

 seen a solitary Gannet gliding past, and far out at sea are 

 some dusky birds, which may be Cormorants or Red-throated 

 Divers. On that shoal is a vast multitude of small birds, 

 probably Dunlins ; farther on are some black and white 

 waders, which are reasonably conjectured to be Oyster- 

 catchers ; and here, scattered over the miry flat, are very 

 many grey-backed, long-legged, long-necked, and long-billed 

 birds — those, in fact, of which we are in search. They 

 observe us ; one utters a loud shrill cry, to which another 

 responds, and presently all are on wing. Mark how they 



