42 



means scarce, being perhaps most plentiful on the 

 hills between Brighton and Lewes. 



I noticed that all the nests I have discovered 

 in Sussex have been placed on slopes of the downs 

 that faced either south or west. 



I have never met with this bird during the 

 winter, though I have heard of their being 

 occasionally flushed from the turnip-fields late in 

 the autumn, and it is most probable that they leave 

 the country on the approach of cold weather.* 



I believe it has been stated by most naturalists 

 that the male and female are alike. This is 

 certainly true as regards the plumage, but, as will 

 be seen be seen by the specimens in the case, the 

 male has a knob of about the size of two peas on 

 the base of the beak, which easily distinguishes 

 him from his mate. We are likewise informed that 

 incubation lasts sixteen or seventeen days, but I 

 am afraid that the patience of the birds will have 

 to be taxed for about five days longer before their 

 downy progeny breaks the shell. 



The male, female, and eggs are from the hills 

 between Brighton and Lewes, and were obtained 

 in June, 1872. 



The case is a correct representation of a nest 

 found near Falmer, every stone and stem of furze 

 being brought from the identical spot. 



See "Bough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 13. 



GAKGANEY. 



Case 57. 



This beautiful little Duck is only a summer 

 visitor to Great Britain. 



* I was previously unaware that this Plover was found in Sussex 

 during the winter ; but to-day (January 25th, 1876) J was informed by a 

 shepherd near Brighton, who knows the bird well, that he had just seen 

 five flying together. 



