(JARG\NET. 21 



In Scotland six specimens were obtained in Stirlingshire, 

 during the last fortnight of March, 1841. 



In Orkney a few appear in the spring. 



In Ireland it is extremely rare, and the same observation 

 is applicable to Wales. 



The Garganey resorts to low watery lands, and only 

 occasionally to the neighbourhood and estuaries of the sea-coast. 



It is a migratory or moveable species, in the spring and 

 autumn months, and is seen with us on these occasions, most 

 so, it is said, in the former, for a brief space during each 

 'changing scene.' Those that occur are probably stray 

 individuals, which have been driven out of their ordinary 

 course. The vernal migration is made in March and April, 

 and the autumnal in October and November. They travel 

 by night, and in small parties. 



The Garganey is considered a remarkably delicate bird for 

 the table. It is not very shy in its habits, and soon becomes 

 tame in confinement. Meyer says 'During the days the present 

 species conceals itself on the water, among flags and weeds 

 that abound on the borders of lakes and ponds, ditches and 

 rivers; it may also sometimes be met with feeding in a low 

 meadow or field. Its time for roosting is the middle of the 

 day, and it takes its rest either on the water, or standing 

 and squatting among the long grass in, meadows. Towards 

 the dusk of evening, and mostly earlier than other Ducks, 

 it starts from its retreat to the usual feeding ground, among 

 which, pools, occasioned by heavy rain and thawed snow, 

 form a favourite resort; there the Garganey Teal busies itself 

 throughout the night, until the approach of daylight reminds 

 it that its safety becomes endangered.. 



The Garganey Teal is not conspicuous for the bright colouring 

 of its plumage, but, on near inspection, it will be found 

 to be one of the most beautifully marked of its family, 

 and its general appearance is graceful; its capacities, in the 

 way of swimming and walking, are equal in every respect 

 to those of the foregoing species. Its flight is exceedingly 

 buoyant, sometimes very quick, and it is said to be capable 

 of evolutions that are peculiar to itself; these are, that the 

 bird rolls occasionally over and over in the air, shewing to 

 the beholder first its under, and then its upper parts. Its 

 flight when on its migratory journey is performed in a straight 

 progress, and when a small number or family are together 

 on the wing, they form a sort of line, but the individuals 



