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birds viewed at a distance served on more than one occasion to 
suggest some analogy with the flight of the Swift (Cypselus apus). 
To summarise their speed, it may be said that Sand-grouse fly on 
occasion like the wind. The flight of those that had chosen their 
feeding grounds was usually performed at a moderate elevation, 
often low; but occasionally mounting to three hundred feet, as 
nearly as the eye could form a trustworthy estimate. 
Sand-grouse appear to manifest a homing faculty for certain 
spots, and though jealous of intrusion, may frequent a certain area 
for many days if shielded from harassing intrusion. Upon the 
ground most of their movements are characterised by extreme 
leisureliness, so long as undisturbed. They are partial of course to 
dusting in sand, and as though conscious of their protective colour- 
ation, remain for hours together in a favourite sand dune, enjoying 
warm sunshine. 
Seen in confinement, Sand-grouse would appear to be a placid 
apathetic race. 
During the summer of 1888 three examples were sent to the 
Zoological Society from Scotland. A visit paid to the Western 
Aviary on August 17th found the birds apparently reconciled to 
their environment. ‘Their inactivity was marked, as they squatted 
together on the gravel, blinking their eyelids or lazily stretching a 
wing across a foot. This apathy was varied occasionally by their 
running to and fro and making a semblance of picking up seeds ; 
nevertheless it continued so strongly marked as to recall some 
remarks of Professor Parker, which will bear quoting here: “These 
_ beautiful and gentle birds are seen at once to have in them some- 
_thing both of the Ptarmigan and the Pigeon; but there is in their 
physiognomy a marked inferiority of expression quite in contrast 
with the sharp intelligent look of the typical Fowls, and very much 
below what we see in the Pigeon-tribe. This is exactly in harmony 
with what the skeleton reveals; for while the characters of both 
these types are almost inextricably interwoven, yet there is in many 
points a marked inferiority of character.” (P. Z. S. 1863, p. 257.) 
The fact is that, Sand-grouse are seen to best advantage when 
performing their graceful aerial evolutions. Only on the breezy moor 
