GREAT SKUA. 695 



consequently considered much scarcer than really is the case, for 

 it is a bird well known to the deep-sea fishermen, whose 

 appellation for it is " Morrel Hen " ; and on more than one 

 occasion I have had ocular proof that the bird was recognisable 

 by my boatman at a considerable distance when I was unable 

 to distinguish it from 5. pomatorhinus. 



Although usually noticed during its passage southward 

 on the autumn migration, it has twice occurred in early spring, 

 and on both occasions at Flamborough ; the first on ist March 

 1868, and the second in late February or early March 1885. 

 It is, perhaps, more frequently seen between Flamborough and 

 Scarborough than at any other part of the coast line, being 

 attracted to the vicinity of the Headland by the swarms of 

 Gulls which assemble there in autumn. 



The occurrences on the coast, as at present recorded or 

 communicated, are : 



Scarborough, one, December 1853 (Zoo/. 1854, p. 4331). 



Filey, one, August 1864 (op. cit. 1864, p. 9247). 



Flamborough, immature female, 8th September 1864, 

 procured by Matthew Bailey (op. cit. 1864, p. 9365). 



Scarborough, one, 27th October 1866 (Nat. 1890, p. 210). 

 Sold at Stevens's sale rooms. 



Flamborough, one, ist March 1868. In Mr. J. H. Gurney's 

 collection. 



Scarborough, two in autumn 1880 ; in Mr. J. A. Wheldon's 

 collection (Wheldon MS.). 



Whitby, one in the Local Museum (Stephenson MS.). 



Flamborough, one, in late February or early March 1885, 

 at North Landing (Nat. 1884-5, p. 267). 



Redcar, one, I4th October 1886. Obtained by Mr. E. B. 

 Emerson, while he and I were off at sea. In his collection. 



Flamborough, one, autumn 1887 (Bailey MS.). 



Scarborough, one, 3rd October 1889 (Zoo/. 1890, pp.2i-ioo). 



Whitby, two in the harbour in 1890, reported by J. A. 

 Wilson (Stephenson MS.). 



Bridlington, one, I2th October 1894. In Mr. T. Boynton's 

 collection. 



Scarborough, one, November 1894 (Nat. 1895, pp. 238, 308). 



VOL. II. Y 



