Birds observed in Iceland. 241 



worth either the trouble or expense. The whole country 

 from the Pjorsa River to the Vatna Jokull has not recovered 

 from the numerous volcanic eruptions to which it has been 

 subjected, and the greater part is practically without life of 

 any description. We took the eggs of 23 species and pro- 

 cured tliose of 21 others. C. E. P. returned direct to Reyk- 

 javik ; and the rarer eggs obtained by H. J. P. in other parts 

 of the south of the island are mentioned in the following 

 list. 



It may save some annoyance to those who propose to visit 

 Iceland to know that a law has recently been passed there 

 making it illegal to land dogs of any breed. By some acci- 

 dent a rough-haired terrier we took escaped the notice of 

 the authorities ; but a setter, brought by a gentleman on the 

 next steamer, had to remain on board. Unfortunately, our 

 dog had left at home all idea of putting up birds, and although 

 he found two nests of Harlequin Duck, this was rather small 

 compensation for the many hours he had to be carried on the 

 saddle or in a knapsack when crossing the lava. The dates 

 when eggs were procured may be of service to those who 

 propose to visit the island, and we have appended, as far as 

 possible, a list of the Icelandic names of birds for the same 

 purpose, because we found in so many instances that the 

 Latin names now used in this country were not known to 

 ornithologists there. Perhaps in some future and more 

 happy generation each bird will have one scientific name by 

 which it can be universally recognized ! 



We ought not to close this article without expressing our 

 appreciation of the kind hospitality and assistance we received 

 from Mr. Nielsen, of Eyrarbakki, a gentleman known by 

 name to many English ornithologists. He has an interesting 

 collection of eggs, and is a keen and careful observer. It was 

 from him that Mr. Walter Raine obtained the two reputed 

 eggs of the Knot mentioned and figured in his book on Bird- 

 Nesting in North-west Canada. The nest with four eggs was 

 found in 1890 by Jon Jakogsou at Kaldadarnes, near Eyrar- 

 bakki, who saw the bird but failed to secure it. Mr. Nielsen 

 has the third egg ; the fourth was broken. The one we 



