VOL. LXin.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. 433 



XXVIIh Observations on the Lagopus, or Ptarmigan. By the Hon. Daines 



Barriiigton, V~. P. R. S. p. 224. 



The many different specimens of lagopi, both in their winter and summer 

 plumage, which have lately been presented to the r. s. from Hudson's Bay, en- 

 able us to correct many mistakes that have hitherto been made in the description 

 of this bird; as well as the unnecessarily multiplying of the species of the tetrao 

 genus. As M. de Buffon is the last ornithologist who has made any observa- 

 tions on this bird, it may not be improper to take notice of some of his sup- 

 posed inaccuracies. The lagopus, of which he gives an engraving, is in its winter 

 plumage; and the feet of the bird are consequently covered very thickly with 

 feathers. M. de Buffon however, from not having examined the specimens of 

 the lagopus with proper attention, says, that Aristotle could not have been ac- 

 quainted with this bird, because the under parts of the claws are entirely covered 

 with feathers; which circumstance is so very striking and peculiar, that it could 

 not have escaped this father of natural history. If a winter specimen however of 

 the lagopus, or ptarmigan, be accurately examined, it will be found, that no 

 feathers grow precisely under the claws; though, by wrapping very thickly round 

 them, they have very strongly that appearance: and, in a summer specimen, not 

 only the feet, but even the legs, are rather bare of plumage. If Aristotle there- 

 fore had procured the bird in its summer dress, he could not have observed this 

 very striking circumstance, which M. de Buffon relies on as so strongly cha- 

 racteristic. 



The same difference between the plumage in summer and winter is experienced 

 in each of the three species of tetrao, which have (according to one of Lin- 

 naeus's subdivisions) feathered feet ; and it is usually said with us, that they have 

 in winter their snow boots. M. de Buffon therefore unjustly charges the author 

 of the British Zoology, for supposing that this is a wise provision of Nature 

 against the inclemency of the season, when he says, that the vrogallus minor, 

 or our black cock, has not the same protection for its feet, though it buries itself 

 under the snow, and, becoming torpid, equally wants such additional warmth. 

 With regard to the torpidity of this bird, M. de Buffon relies on Linnaeus's as- 

 serting, that saepe sepelitur in nive; which by no means signifies that the bird is 

 torpid, but only that it buries itself sometimes under the snow; as sheep do with 

 us in the more rigorous seasons, when it lies very deep in the mountains. The 

 black cock however is so far from being torpid in the winter, that it even ap- 

 proaches the habitation of man when distressed for food; and Mr. B. concludes, 

 till he shall see a specimen which proves the contrary, that, like the other tetraos, 

 whose feet are covered low with feathers, this part of the plumage becomes 

 thicker in winter. M. de Buffon also seems to be mistaken in supposing, that 

 the thick plumage round tlie feet is peculiar to the lagopus; as it is believed that 



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