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all of this class are noted. The eggs of this species I have not been 

 able to find, nor have I been informed of their occurring within the 

 limits of our locality. The young have been found in the Newark 

 meadows in August, by Mr. Brasher. His indefatigable exertions 

 in this and other localities in the vicinity ol' New York, in pursuit 

 of its eggs, have been thus far unsuccessful. I would not be sur- 

 prised to hear of its being found breeding along the rush-covered 

 margins of the streams and ponds on Long Island. 



The flesh of the Black Tern, from its feeding chiefly on insects, 

 and collecting its food in the vicinity of fresh water, is better tasted 

 and more palatable than the others of this Genus, which feed almost 

 entirely on marine productions. 



"In England, where this conspicuous Tern is common, it is descri- 

 bed as possessing the same manners and customs as with us. It is 

 found on the fenny parts of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire — is 

 plentiful about the reedy pools on Romney Marsh, in Kent, where 

 it first appears in the latter end of April, or beginning of May, and 

 breeds in the sedgy places on the verge of the pools — and though 

 very near the sea, is rarely seen on the shores till after the breed- 

 ing season, and then not commonly. It lays three or four light olive 

 brown eggs, blotched with black." — Montagu's OrnitJiological Dic- 

 tionary. 



STERNA ANGLIC A— MONTAGU. 



MARSH TERN. 



Sterna aranea, Wilson. 



Sterna aranea, Bonap. 



Marah Tern, Sterna anglica, Nuttall. 



Marsh or Gull-billed Tern, Sterna anglica, Aud. 



Specific Character — Bill black, high, from the frontlet feathers 

 to the point one inch and a half, at base half an inch high ; length 

 of tarsi one inch and an eighth ; the upper and hind part of the 

 head black ; the upper parts pale grayish-blue ; tail forked, the 

 feathers white ; tarsi and feet black ; the wings extend about two 

 inches beyond the tail. Length fourteen inches, wing twelve. 



This species can be readily distinguished by its short, strong and 

 45 



