met with specimens as late as the middle of 

 September, which appeared, when on wing, to be 

 almost in full summer plumage ; but if closely 

 examined, it would be found that the black 

 feathers in their breast were thickly interspersed 

 with white. 



Some few young birds, singly or in small 

 parties, occasionally wander as far south as Norfolk, 

 or even Sussex, by September ; but being remark- 

 ably tame, they generally fall victims to the first 

 gunner they approach, being easily enticed within 

 shot by an imitation of their own note, however 

 badly executed. 



During severe weather, they may be found 

 congregated^ to the number of several thousands, 

 generally frequenting tidal mudbanks, and retiring 

 at high water to the adjoining marshes. It is at 

 this season, while feeding on the mud, that they 

 occasionally offer chances of which the punt- 

 gunners in the neighbourhood are not slow to avail 

 themselves as many as fifty, sixty, and seventy 

 being frequently obtained at a shot. 



The specimens in the case were shot on 

 Breydon mudflats, in September, 1871. 



SAND 'MARTIN (IMMATURE). 

 Case 8. 



During the early part of the autumn, large 

 numbers of Sand Martins (mostly young) may be 

 observed, particularly during wet weather, settled 

 on the banks and among the reeds that surround 



* Those who have never examined any old works on fowling or 

 gunning, may possibly not be aware that the sportsmen of former days 

 had special terms for the flocks of every description of wildfowl, in the 

 same manner as we speak of a covey of partridges, a bevy of quail, or a 

 wisp of snipe. It used to be 



A congregation of Plover, 



A herd of Swan, &c., &c. 

 Folkard on Wildfowling gives a full account on pages 5 and 6. 



