362 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. vi. 



Herr H. Winge in Conspectus Faunce GrcenlandicK, 

 Aves {Meddelelser 0m Gr0nland, Vol. XXI., 1898, pp. 176- 

 178) showed how Reinhardt's type was less than the 

 Siberian bird, but concluded that it might be considered 

 as referable to that form which he, following Saunders, 

 considered a race of L. argentatus. 



The measurements given by Reinhardt differed so 

 considerably from the Siberian bird, that they suggested 

 to me comparison with Dr. Lowe's Larus fuscus 

 britannicus. Careful measurement convinced me that 

 theoretically Reinhardt's Lams affinis msls certainly 

 identical with the British form of Larus fuscus and was 

 not Saunders's Siberian bird. 



The only way to settle such a question was by an appeal 

 to the type itself, and I therefore wrote Herr H. Winge 

 of the Copenhagen Museum where the type is preserved 

 and it was at once courteously forwarded for examination. 

 Herr Winge expressed his doubts as to my suggestion 

 being well founded, indicating the long, slender tarsus 

 and short toes of Larus fuscus as the difference most 

 noticeable. The specimen is stuffed, and has been 

 since 1851, and consequently had to be handled with great 

 care. I had the accompanying photograph taKen on 

 account of the conclusion arrived at. The bill is not 

 as massive as would here appear : this is simply an 

 effect due to the turn of the head presented to the 

 photographer. My own examination confirmed my 

 suggestion, but in order that no doubt should persist 

 regarding the identification the type of Larus affinis 

 Reinhardt has been examined by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie- 

 Grant at the British Museum, in comparison with the 

 series of birds Dr. Lowe studied. Dr. Lowe unfortunately 

 being unable to attend. Dr. Hartert, who is at work 

 on Palaearctic birds and the Hon. Walter Rothschild 

 also carefully criticised the specimen in conjunction 

 with the collection at Tring and unhesitatingly agreed 

 with my conclusions. I then exhibited the type at 

 the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on 



