129 



occasionally break down the reeds and cause con- 

 siderable loss to the owners of the beds.* 



The specimens in the case were shot at Off- 

 ham Chalk Pit near Lewes in Sussex in May, 1872. 



In the Outer Hebrides the Starling breeds commonly 

 in holes in the ground or in the low peat dykes, taking such 

 accommodation, I suppose, for lack of better. Ed. 



WOOD LAEK. 

 Case 177. 



The Wood Lark shows itself occasionally in 

 great numbers along the south coast when snow is 

 on the ground. During the storm in January, 

 1866, I saw between six and seven dozen that had 

 been captured by one bird-catcher alone between 

 Rottingdean and Newhaven. 



They are to be found nesting in most counties 

 in England, and occasionally (though I have never 

 met with them myself) in the south of Scotland. 



The specimens in the case were shot near 

 Rottingdean in Sussex in January, 1866. 



DOTTEREL. 



Case 178. 



The Dotterel appears unfortunately to visit 

 our shores each year in rapidly decreasing numbers. 



It arrives in April or the beginning of May 

 and after resting for a short time on the South 

 Downs and other open spots continues its journey 

 to its breeding-grounds on the higher ranges of the 

 north of England and the Highlands of Scotland ; 

 again being seen occasionally in the south on its 

 return in the autumn. 



The ^specimens in the case were obtained on 



* The reed is extensively used for thatching and other purposes in 

 the eastern counties. 



