Ornithology of the Crimea &^'C. 233 



species, duriug the bombardment of Ghenitchi by the allied squa- 

 dron on the 29th of May, 1855. They were evidently bewildered 

 by the heavy firing, and after flying round a few times, made off 

 to security and quiet in the marshes of the Sivash. The Gadwall 

 {Anas strepera) occurs in the Crimea; and the Shoveller {A. cly- 

 peata), Pintail {A. acuta), Garganey {A. querquedula) at Constan- 

 tinople. Teal {A. crecca), Mallard {A. ioscAas), and Wigeon [A. 

 penelope) I found abundant in the marsh near Ismid. It was 

 ground most difficult to walk on, consisting chiefly of rushy hil- 

 locks, with deep water between them, and intersected in all direc- 

 tions with streams, just too wide to jump over, there being no 

 firm ground on either side. It is a famous haunt for wildfowl. 

 The water at the edge of the bay is quite shallow. Loopholed 

 boxes have been erected on posts, at some little distance from 

 each other, evidently to enable the natives to indulge in la chasse 

 aux canards with as little trouble and discomfort as possible. 

 Here I saw also Tufted Ducks, Great Crested and Eared Grebes, 

 and Pelicans, also numerous footmarks of Otters, and I tallyhoed 

 a Fox out of some high rushes. I was sorry not to be able to 

 remain longer in this locality. 



Of Red-Crested Ducks {Fuligula rufina) I have a skin from 

 Mr. ChurchilFs collection ; the Pochard {F. ferina) occurs near 

 Constantinople, and is also common in the Bay of Eregli, near 

 Koslou. The Tufted Duck {F. cristata) is common in Eregli 

 Bay, and also at Ismid. In January I killed three by one shot 

 in Balaklava harbour, also a Smew {Mergus arbellus) in imma- 

 ture plumage. 



Great Crested Grebes [Podiceps cristatus) and Eared Grebes 

 (P. auritus) I found plentiful in the Bay of Eregli and at Ismid, 

 and killed many for the sake of their skins. My mode of 

 procedure was to take a caique, with a couple of rowers ; and I 

 found little difficulty in getting within range. I have always 

 found, when in pursuit of diving waterfowl, that, if they are 

 wary, the best mode of obtaining a shot is to fire at them out of 

 range. The bird then, instead of diving, usually puts up its 

 head, and looks out inquiringly, giving time for the boat to 

 approach much nearer. When within fair distance, if the 

 shooter aims well before and under the head, no bird can dive 



