164 SCOLOPACID^E. 



meant. We even find them served up in company with the 

 more gigantic crane, at Archbishop Neville's feast. And, 

 subsequently, in the Household Book of the Duke of Northum- 

 berland, " styntes" are remarked as worthy to be admitted 

 to his Lordship's own " mees," and are charged at the rate of 

 six pence a dozen. From the accompanying description they 

 must have occupied the place held by the ortolan at the pre- 

 sent time : 



" The puet, godwit, stynt, the pallat that allure 

 The miser, and doe make a fearful epicure." 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



SPECIES 155 TEMMINCK'S STINT. 



Tringa Temminckii. Leisler. 

 Becasseau Temmia. Temm. 



THIS rare species, named in honour of that great savant to 

 whom natural history is so much indebted for his profound 

 and unremitting research, has, like many other species in the 

 genus, only occurred in a single instance, which came under 

 the observation of Richard Chute, Esq., of Blennerville, and 

 to whose discernment we are indebted for adding it to our 

 Fauna. Obtained at the end of January, 1848, it was killed 

 at a freshwater pool in the vicinity of the town of Tralee, 

 during the continuance of a severe frost. 

 Habitat Southern Europe. 



SPECIES 156. THE PURPLE SANDPIPER. 



Tringa maritima. Brunn. 



Becasseau violet. Temm. 



Rock Sandpiper. 



THE PURPLE SANDPIPER is a species so very local in its dis- 

 tribution that it is seldom observed or obtained. 



Almost unknown upon our eastern shores, it has only been 

 procured in some four or five instances, one of which occurred 

 in Dublin Bay. More common around the precipices of the 

 west, Mr. Glennon remarked, whilst remaining in Achill, the 

 existence of several flocks frequenting the Sound and rocky 

 shores of the mainland. 



Differing from all the sandpipers in the shortness of the 

 tarsi and heavy appearance of the body, this species is easily 

 recognised by the purple gloss which is so conspicuous as to 

 obtain for it its most common name. Curious in its habits, 



