THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 8 1 



SHAG. 

 Phalacrocorax graculus (Linn.). 



The Shag, or Lesser Cormorant has to my know- 

 ledge been observed on the Medway and shot on one 

 or two occasions. 



GANNET. 

 Sula Bassana (Linn.). 



Our river affords no resting place for the Gannet, 

 which scarcely ever comes beyond the line of vessels. 

 A few years ago a Gannet was found near the centre 

 of our wood. A flock of Rooks were seen by a 

 labourer circling round and cawing vociferously over 

 the spot where a dead Gannet was discovered which 

 had evidently been storm-driven. 



CASPIAN TERN. 

 Sterna caspia^ Pall. 



Some few years ago, before the river became so 

 thickly studded with vessels, I had the pleasure one 

 autumn of meeting with the Caspian Tern ; it fre- 

 quented a wide part of the Medway, and an adjoin- 

 ing wide creek for about a fortnight ; happening to 

 shoot a Common Tern from my yacht, the great bird 

 came, hovered for a second or two over it, but from 

 the distance the little bird had floated, I was unable 

 to procure the Caspian Tern. 



G 



