Notes from Archangel. 71 



Specimens of wild Geese which we saw in the market had the 

 left wing amputated at the carpal joint. We were informed 

 that the peasants did this, owing to some superstitious motive, 

 before bringing the birds to the market. Subsequently, how- 

 ever, we saw a left wing in a peasant's house which was used 

 for sweeping out the oven*. 



Obs. — Specimens of the following species were in the Mu- 

 seum, viz. A. segetum, A. albifrons, and Bernicla leucopsis. 



79. Rhyi^chaspis clypeata. Abundant. 



80. Cyanopterus querquedula. We obtained specimens 

 in the market, but did not observe it on the islands. 



81. Querquedula crecca. Plentiful on the outer islands. 



82. Anas boschas. Common. 



83. Dafila acuta. Very abundant. This species and the 

 Shoveller appeared to be the two commonest species of Duck 

 at this season in the delta. We obtained several Pintails' 

 nests, and also the young in down. 



84. Mareca penelope. Common. We found no nests, 

 but procured the young birds. 



85. Glaucion clangula. Only one Golden-eye was seen 

 on the outer islands. 



Obs. — In the Museum the following species were repre- 

 sented : — Chaulelasmus strepera, Fuligula ferina, F. nyroca, 

 F. marila, F. cristata, Harelda glacialis. 



86. CEdemia fusca. Velvet Scoters were seen on the Neva 

 at St. Petersburg in June, and large flocks were observed on 

 the south shore of the White Sea in the end of July. 



87. QEdemia nigra. A female Common Scoter accom- 

 panied by her young ones was seen on the Swir river on the 

 9th of June. Afterwards it was obtained at Waldushki, and 

 seen in immense numbers on the White Sea in July. 



Obs. — There is a specimen of Mergus albellus in the Mu- 

 seum ; and Mergus castor and Mergus seirator were seen on 



* The Faroese also use birds' wings for brushes ; but they sew the two 

 wings together, back to back. 



