BIRDS. 87 



shore at low tide; were very common in all the localities that I visited 

 on Cumberland Island. Saw a good many on the Greenland coast. It 

 is said that some remain in the fjords of South Greenland all winter. 



They seem completely devoid of fear, and can almost be caught with 

 the hands. Although such lovers of the rocky sea-shore, they nest on 

 the borders of fresh-water lakes. Hundreds were breeding a few miles 

 from our whiter harbor, but it was impossible to reach the mainland on 

 account of the treacherous condition of the floating ice. The specimens 

 collected by me on Cumberland Island differ so much from, the Alaskan, 

 that I conjecture the probability of a western variety when a series can 

 be brought together for comparison. 



By the latter days of June very few w^ere to be seen on the sea-shore, 

 they having gone inland to breed. 



They appear very sociable, and when a large flock is together they 

 keep up a lively twitter, by no means unpleasant. As the breeding- 

 season approaches, the males have a peculiar cry, resembling somewhat 

 that of Actiturus lartramius, but lower and not so prolonged. When 

 this note is uttered they assume a very dignified strut, and often raise 

 the wings up over the back and slowly fold them again, like the upland 

 plover. After the breeding season commences very few are seen on the 

 sea-shore till the young are full-grown. They are somewhat crepuscular 

 in their habits. 



37. Tringa subarquata, (Gould) Temm. 



Xot uncommon in Xorth Greenland. Eggs were procured at Chris- 

 tianshaab, Greenland, through the kindness of Governor Edgar Fencker. 

 Xot observed on any part of Cumberland that I visited. 



38. Tringa canutus, Liimo. 



A small flock lit on the schooner's deck in Xovernber after the harbor 

 was frozen over. Saw none in the spring or summer. Seem to be quite 

 common in North Greenland, but probably do not nest south of lat. 

 70 y. 



39. Calidris arenaria, Linn. 



One small flock in September, 1877, at Mantilic; no specimens were 

 procured. 



40. Limcsa hudsonica, (?) (Lath.) Sw. 



Two godwits were seen near Cape Edwards, on the west coast of 

 Cumberland Sound, in September, 1877, but I could not, with certainty, 

 ascertain the species. 



