BRITISH BIRDS. 95 



out several leading features of these birds. He 

 says, "this bird is a constant inhabitant of the 

 fens, and is knoAvii to sportsmen by its singular 

 notes, which are very loud and melodious, and 

 are heard even when the bird is beyond the reach 

 of sight." 



The description of this bird (which, it seems, is 

 common in the fen countries, has been more par- 

 ticularly attended to, because it has not been 

 noticed in any of the popular works on Ornith- 

 ology ; at least not so accurately as to enable a 

 naturalist to distinguish it by the proper name. 

 Annexed are the scapular, rump, and tail feathers 

 of this bird. 



