494 Mr. F. W. Styau on the Birds of 



winter, and no doubt breeds, for it nests at Ningpo. It is 

 evidently a local rather than a scarce bird. 



339. Platalea major, T. & S. 



(646.) Met with at Kiukiang on migration in October 

 and April, Shanghai in November. A few probably remain 

 through the winter. 



240. Platalea minor, T. & S. 



A specimen in the Shanghai Museum was killed in 

 November. 



Order ANSERES. 

 Fam. Anatid^. 



241. Cygnus musicus, Bechst. 



(707.) " Shanghai market in winter " {Swinhoe) . 

 There is a specimen in the Museum. 



242. Cygnus minor. Pall. 



(708.) All the Swans which I have examined in the flesh 

 are of this species. Large flocks frequent the low islands 

 and mud-flats at the mouth of the Yangtse. On the upper 

 reaches of the river they are not so plantiful, but may be 

 seen from time to time passing overhead. At the head of 

 the Poyang Lake I have seen a flock of at least a thousand, 

 among myriads of other wildfowl. 



243. AnSER ALBIFRONS (Gm.) . 



(704.) Not common. 



244. Anser erythropus (L.). 



(705.) This is the most numerous species on the upper 

 reaches of the river at least, and is the most easily approached 

 and shot. On sand-banks and mud-flats it is quite useless 

 attempting to stalk them or any other Geese; but when 

 feeding on stubbles and ploughs they will occasionally allow 

 one to walk right up to them, though the country is flat and 

 open, without a vestige of cover. I have also, in a sanpan, 

 circled round a flock sitting on the water until near enough 

 to get a shot. 



These Geese arrive here early in October, and some remain 



