242 THE TURNSTONE. CHAP xn. 



If Edward himself could have been rescued 

 from his shoemaker's seat, we might probably 

 have had the book which he indicates. He was 

 full of love for his subject ; he was patient and 

 persevering in his observations ; and, notwithstand- 

 ing his great disadvantages, it will be observed 

 that his style of writing was vivid and graphic. 

 With respect to the Turnstone, which Edward 

 described in 1850,* it does not appear that any 

 ornithological writer, excepting Audubon, had par- 

 ticularly described it ; although Edward had never 

 read Audubon's work. The Eeverend Mr. Smith 

 observed "It is consistent with my knowledge 

 that Mr. Edward has never read the^ account 

 given by Audubon of the habits of the Turnstone. 

 I mention this as a proof, amongst others, of the 

 accuracy and minuteness with which he makes his 

 observations. He is the only European, so far as 

 1 have the means of ascertaining, who has described 

 the efforts which are put forth by the bird in question 

 in cases of difficulty, not only with its bill, but with 

 its breast also." The following is Edward's descrip- 

 tion of the bird : 



" The Turnstone is a very interesting bird, from its 

 peculiar form and singular habits. It is a strong 

 thick bird, with rather short thick legs, long expanded 

 toes, and full broad breast. Its bill is in the form of 



* First in the Banffshire Journal, December 31, 1850 ; and 

 afterwards copied by Mr. Smith in the Zoologist, April 1851. 



