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name, this would seem to be a very prominent trait of character. 

 Its occurrence with us is so seldom, that I have not had an oppor- 

 tunity of observing its habits as closely as I should wish. 



Those which I have procured on the shores of Long Island have 

 usually been single, or at the most at any one time, a pair, ranging 

 between Raynor South and Babylon, in which section I am not 

 aware that oysters are found. It is a shy, vigilant bird, and ex- 

 ceedingly difficult to approach. Its flight is swift. On the ground 

 it walks about in a stately manner ; when alarmed, it utters a sharp 

 whistling note, and runs rapidly along the beach. Should the 

 pursuit be continued, it takes wing, and passes out of sight. 



Notwithstanding its flesh is dark-colored and ill-flavored, it being 

 considered a singular and quite a scarce bird, it is always sent to 

 market when procured by the bay-men, who recognise it by the 

 name of "Flood Gull." 



" Like the Gulls, the Oyster-catcher forms no regular nest, but 

 deposites its eggs, which are from two to three in number, on the 

 sand, leaving them in fine weather during day to be hatched by the 

 influence of the sun." 



When wounded, it makes for the water, and swims and dives 

 well. In autumn it migrates southward, and is said to pass the 

 winter in Florida, and at that season collects in flocks. 



