66 scoLOPAcnxE. 



agrees with the description of the nuptial garb of the species 

 as given by M. Temminck. This bird is rather inferior in 

 size to the Dunlin, but may be always readily distinguished 

 from that species by the peculiar form of the bill, as well 

 as considerable difference in plumage. This specimen was 

 preserved by a friend of mine who did not notice the sex. 

 It is probable that this Sandpiper may occasionally be 

 found on our eastern coasts during the time of its periodi- 

 cal nights, but, from its similarity to one or two closely- 

 allied species, has hitherto escaped detection." 



A second example of this rare bird was shot on the oozy 

 banks of Belfast Bay on the 4th of October, 1844, as re- 

 corded by W. Thompson, Esq., in the Annals of Natural 

 History, vol. xv. This bird was in company with Golden 

 Plovers and Dunlins. 



Although this species has been obtained, but very rarely, 

 in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Scandinavia, 

 as a reference to the works of Savi, Schinz, Brehm, Vieillot, 

 and Nilsson will prove, yet little of its habits were 

 known. 



This subject, however, in its most interesting particulars, 

 those referring to the breeding-season, was completely as- 

 certained by Richard Dann, Esq., who, during his visits 

 to Norway and Lapland, having ascertained the breeding- 

 grounds of this species, succeeded in obtaining the old 

 birds in their breeding plumage, their eggs, and a young 

 bird when just able to fly. Mr. Dann most liberally pre- 

 sented me with the eggs, the young bird, and an old one. 

 I am also indebted to his kindness for a long series of 

 notes for my use in this work, of the localities frequented 

 during the breeding-season, by a large proportion of those 

 birds which only visit this country for the winter. Mr. 

 Dann's name, as well as information obtained from him, 

 has already appeared, on many occasions, in this history, 



