226 



With regard to the fifth order, viz., Natatores, inclndinpr both divers and swim- 

 mers, the water-fowl on the river are more plentiful, but the severity of our winters 

 rules their frequency. Before the opening of the railway from Ross to Hereford, 

 29 years ago, there was a considerable barge traffic, and the bargees considered a 

 fowling-piece a necessary portion of furniture of a barge, and this disturbance has 

 now ceased. Small flocks of Geese still favour us with a visit, chiefly Brent and 

 White-fronted species. The Sheldrake also occurs. The Mallard or Wild Duck 

 is common, a few of which remain in the county throughout the year, and breed 

 with us. The Teal and Wigeon come next as to scarcity. Between them and the 

 occasional occurrence of the Pochard, Golden Eye, and Tufted Duck, is a wide 

 break in point of frequency. 



As to Divers, the Cormorant, Gannet, Great-crested and Red-necked Grebes, 

 are of more rare occurrence than in past years. Likewise the Goosander and the 

 Red-throated Diver. The Grey Phalarope has been once taken. 



It only remains to speak of Terns, Gulls, and Petrels, all of which must be re- 

 garded as occasional or accidental visitors. Driven here by American gales, they 

 are visitors by accident in two ways — for if they ever have the good fortune to get 

 back it is by accident also. They are generally knocked down as soon as they 

 "turn up." Among the regular occurrences, are the Kittiwake and Common Gulls, 

 and Common Tern. In the more rare list is recorded the Sandwich Tern, Lesser 

 Tern, Black -headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Pomerine Skua. Among 

 Petrels, we have the Manx Shearwater, Stormy Petrel, the Fork-tailed Petrel, and 

 Fulmar. 



As to the future, in spite of the forces that militate against our feathered 

 friends, they have more laws for their protection than of yore. If gamekeepers 

 would but save their powder, the maje.stic Kite and graceful Peregrine might again 

 be seen sailing over our woods. Our Finches and Sylviadae are on the increase, 

 thanks to Acts of Parliament. If sportsmen and collectors would but spare the 

 rarer species when seen, they might once more grace our landscape and heighten 

 the interest of our rural walks. 



