GKEAT BUSTAKD 



195 



this instance the two birds were seen for some weeks, and 

 the bird was shot in Wales in the same week in which the 

 Irish specimen was obtained. We cannot find any account 

 of the species having been turned down in Ireland, as was 

 the case with the Tawny Owl obtained in the North of 

 Ireland." 



While agreeing with Messrs. Williams and Son, it seems 

 to be difficult to determine whether the birds in question 



FIG. 26. GREAT BUSTARD. 



had only crossed from England, having tarried there for 

 a considerable time after liberation, or had reached Ireland 

 as genuine migrants. It is a matter for regret that birds 

 like Bustards, which at intervals are ' turned down ' in 

 England, are not first properly marked. There is an 

 objection to putting metal rings, &c., round the legs, as 

 they may get detached, to say nothing of the discomfort 

 which they might cause to the wearer. When liberating 

 Bustards it is quite possible to brand them first : a small 



