100 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



from the south-west, I have seen several floating dead 

 on the water, between twenty and thirty miles off the 

 land. I have also received a few wings from the 

 light-ships off the east coast, during the winter months, 

 the birds having fallen disabled on deck after striking 

 the lamps. From never having observed them on 

 their return journey in the spring, or obtained any 

 wings from the light- ships at that period, I am 

 ignorant whether they take up their residence in this 

 country, or again return to the North of Europe, from 

 which country they appear to be making their way 

 when met with in the autumn. 



On one occasion I heard that, after being banished 

 from the rookery they inhabited, for their depredations 

 on the Grouse eggs, the poor birds nested out on the 

 open moor, trees being scarce in the neighbourhood. 



The specimens in the case were obtained near 

 .Brighton, in June, 1872. 



CUCKOO. (MATURE.) 

 Case 103. 



'The Cuckoo, as most people are aware, is only a 

 summer visitor to Great Britain, its arrival being 

 eagerly looked for as one of the signs of approaching 

 spring. 



It is common all over the country, its well-known 

 note being heard as frequently on the wild moors of 

 Sutherland, as on the furze-covered downs of Sussex. 



Its curious habit of entrusting its egg to the care of 

 other species is so generally known as to need but a 

 passing mention. A long list of these foster-parents 

 is given by many authors, the commonest being, in 



