3 
hand bird is an adult male, which was shot in the 
summer of 1837 in Ashburnham Park, Sussex. 
Both these are from the Borrer Collection (see 
“ Birds of Sussex,” p. 20 and plate opposite p. 5). 
The bird on the right was shot at Pett Level, 
Rye, October 20th, 1899, and was acquired by pur- 
chase. 
GADWALL. 
Case 312; 
Mr. Booth only met with this rare duck on two 
occasions, The two immature specimens to the left 
of the case were shot by him on December 15th, 1881, 
on Hickling Broad, Norfolk. They are both young 
drakes in their first autumn plumage. 
See ‘‘ Rough Notes,’ Vol. III, Plate VII. 
The adult pair to the right of the case were 
shot at Croxton Park, Thetford, Suffolk, Jan. 20th, 
1900, and were presented by Captain I. Sandeman. 
AMERICAN BITTERN, 
Case 313. 
Several specimens of this American species have 
been obtained in Great Britain, all of which must 
have crossed the Atlantic, as they are not known to 
breed outside North America. Various theories have 
been broached to explain how so long a flight can 
be sustained. Some suggest that the half ‘floating 
* Gulf weed” may not only act as a guide but also 
afford resting places. Others, that the birds may 
rest on the numerous ships which trade between ve 
country and America. 
This bird was shot by Mr. Knight, November 
30th, 1879, from a. patch of reeds in Amberley 
Wildbrooks, Sussex, and was acquired by Mr. Borrer. 
“« Birds of Sussex.” p. 322. 
