272 CHARADKIID^E. 



about the middle of October, and take their departure north 

 about the first week in March. During the winter they are to be 

 found on every level piece of ground ; and have occasionally been 

 seen on the green glacis of the batteries near the Alameda at 

 Gibraltar, and often noticed on the "North Front"; while at 

 times they are found on hill-sides at a considerable elevation if 

 there be any grassy and suitable open spot. They seem to be 

 more scattered and dispersed about than is usual in England, 

 although large flocks may sometimes be seen. 



The Peewit used to be an unfailing source of diversion to the 

 British subaltern, and also to the " sportsman " of the Rock, who, 

 a marvel of leather straps, gaiters, bags leather all over used 

 to sally out of Gibraltar for a Sunday's shooting, accompanied 

 generally by a bob-tailed, mangy, lean, and hungry-looking 

 species of pointer by appearance warranted to devour imme- 

 diately anything his master might kill ; but the unfortunate 

 animal probably seldom had the opportunity of having its 

 appetite so gratified. 



Hind toe present and well developed. 



Above glossy green ; crown, throat, and breast black ; crest of long 

 slender black feathers ; upper and under tail-coverts rufous ; legs flesh- 

 coloured. 



Young. Crest short ; feathers above with buff edges ; legs dark brown. 

 Length 13 inches. 



294. Vanellus gregrarius (Pallas). The Black-bellied 

 Lapwing 1 . 



Mr. Saunders mentions having seen one specimen of this 

 Lapwing hanging up in Cadiz market, whilst Arevalo records 

 some from near Malaga. 



Is an eastern bird, having the gregarious habits of the Golden 

 Plover. When on the wing the white secondaries show 

 markedly. 



Secondaries entirely white ; shortest primaries black on the outer webs 

 and white on the inner webs ; hind toe present. Length 13 inches. 



