33 



there is a great resemblance in the two birds, and it is only 

 by comparing the two that you can really distinguish the 

 difference. Mr. Gabrel in his description of the two birds 

 says— the Pied Wagtail of England, {M. Yarrillu), is 

 somewhat more robust in form, and in its full summer 

 dress, has the whole of the head, chest, and back, of a full 

 deep jet black ; while on the White Wagtail, {M. Alba) at 

 the same period, the throat and head alone are of this 

 colour, the back and the rest of the upper surface being a 

 light ash grey. In winter the two species more nearly 

 assimilate in new colouring ; and this circumstance has 

 doubtless been the cause of their being hitherto considered 

 identical ; the black back of M. TarriUu being grey at 

 this season which has doubtless contributed to the eon- 

 fusion. The female of our Pied Wagtail never has the 

 black back as in the male— this part, even in summer, 

 being dark grey, in which respect it closely resembles the 

 other species. We have both species in Dr. Plomly's col- 

 lection in our Museum. If any lady or gentlemen should 

 feel an interest in seeing the two species I have just de- 

 scribed, I shall be pleased to give them every information 

 by company, of every bird we have in our collection. 



The Rock Pipit {Aluda Obscura), or Shore Pipit, as it 

 is sometimes called, is considerably larger than the meadow 

 species. This bird, as its name imports, inhabits the sea- 

 shores, especially where there are beaches of sand and mud, 

 low rocks, or benty downs where it can nestle. The eggs 

 are yellowish-grey with reddish-brown spots. The nest is 

 formed of bents and other plants growing near. 



The House Sparrow [Fringella Domestica) rears its young 

 in the cliff. This bird so well known needs no further com- 

 ment from me. 



The Common Starling {Sturnut Vtdgaris) build nu- 

 merously in the cliff. The eggs are of a uniform pale 

 delicate blue. 



The Common GuUimot {Uria TroUe), commonly named 



