438 ON VAKIOUS PARTS 



surprised me most was, that the first of these birds was found 

 alive on dry ground, about seven miles from the sea, to which 

 place there was no communication by water. How did it 

 get so far from the sea ? its wings and legs being so ill 

 adapted either to flying or walking *. The lesser crested grebe 

 was also found in a fresh water pond which had no communi- 

 cation with other water, at some miles distance from the sea. 

 MARK WICK. 



STONE CURLEW. 



On the 27th of February 1788, Stone Curlews were heard 

 to pipe ; and on March 1st, after it was dark, some were pass- 

 ing over the village, as might be perceived by their quick 

 short note, which they use in their nocturnal excursions by 

 way of watch-word, that they may not stray and lose their 

 companions. 



Thus, we see, that retire whithersoever they may in the win- 

 ter, they return again early in the spring, and are, as it now 

 appears, the first summer birds that come back. Perhaps the 

 mildness of the season may have quickened the emigration of 

 the curlews this year. 



They spend the day in high elevated fields and sheep-walks; 

 but seem to descend in the night to streams and meadows, 

 perhaps for water, which their upland haunts do not afford 

 them. WHITE. 



On the 31st of January 1792 1 received a bird of this 

 species which had been recently killed by a neighbouring 

 farmer, who said that he had frequently seen it in his fields 

 during the former part of the winter ; this perhaps was an 

 occasional straggler, which, by some accident, was prevented 

 from accompanying its companions in their migration. 

 MARKWICK. 



* [" This assertion is unfortunate. Grebes are strong flyers, and com- 

 monly mount to a great height." A. N. Markwick's observations in 

 general are so commonplace or incorrect that they are now hardly worth 

 perpetuating, were they not sanctioned by repeated association with those 

 of White. T. B.] 



