162 THE NATURALIST IN NORWAY, 



Schinz's sandpiper (T. Schinzii). This is a rara avis 

 here. It has been once seen in Finmark. It is com- 

 mon on the coast of Schleswig and Holstein. 



The avocet (Recurvirostra avocetta) is only an occa- 

 sional visitor to the south of Norway. The same may 

 be said of the black -winged stilt (Himantopus mela- 

 nopterus) . 



The ruff (Machetes pugnax). This bird is common 

 in summer in Finmark. In August it leaves the north, 

 and may then be seen by Lake Mjosen, and near Christi- 

 ania. Its Norwegian name is brunshane, or noisy cock. 



The " Kallidae" and " Lobipedidae" are more common 

 in Norway than they are in Great Britain. 



The land-rail (Grex pratensis) is common in Norway, 

 and is to be met with considerably within the Polar 

 Circle. 



The spotted crake (C. porzana) is common in the 

 southern and central parts of this country. It does 

 not visit the far north. 



The little crake (C. pusilla) is by no means so com- 

 mon as the other species. 



The water-rail (Rallus aquaticus). This shy bird is 

 common near Christiansand, Lister, Mandal, and other 

 towns in the south of Norway. I have seen a bird that 

 was shot near Mandal as early as February. 



The moor-hen (Gallinula chloropus) is pretty fre- 

 quently seen in the south of Norway, especially near 

 Laurvig, a seaport famous for its lobsters, the greater 

 part of which find their way to the London market. 



The coot (Fulica atra) is common in Norway, but 

 does not venture far north. It has been seen near 

 Throndjem. It is called here the Uis-hone. The 



