382 Lieut. C. B. Ticelmrst un the [Ibis, 



every day, with large ucces.sious to tbe numbers on 

 21 September and 10 October. A large flock also noticed 

 in the grass-fields near the dunes on 20 September. The 

 stomach o£ one contained small gasteropod shells. Does not 

 breed on the island, but some were seen on 2G May, 1905, 

 by Mr. Pearson on Hendrick's Polder. 



Grey Plover. 



liarge flocks already on the sands by 25 August and noted 

 every day. Adult birds still in full summer dress seen, 

 generally singly. Observed each diiy in September and 

 October, but by 19 September the adults appeared to have 

 ii'one. An increase in numbers on the 21st, and on the 25th 

 we saw large flocks arriving high up i'rom the north-east. 

 Further increase on 28tli, alter which the numbers fell off 

 considerably, but there were further arrivals on 10 October. 

 Sm;ill crabs noted as food of this species. " A few odd 

 birds in nuptial plumage during the breeding season '' (V.). 



Lapwing. 



Very common everywhere inside the sea-walls. Noted 

 each day in August and September, the numbers increasing 

 in October. The taking of Lapwings' eggs forms one of the 

 industries of the island. Both the Dominion land and the 

 private land is let each year, the former by public auction, 

 for the purpose of the egg harvest. Each strip of land costs 

 20 to 30 guiklers in rent according as to whether it is a good 

 place or not. The season lasts from the first laying, about 

 23 March, till 1 May, after which no eggs are allowed 

 to be taken. As a consequence of this arrangement, the 

 Lapwing is increasing, since from the later sittings a larger 

 pei'centage of young are reared, doubtless owing to the less 

 inclement weather. The first dozen or so eggs are always 

 sent to the Royal Household of Holland and fetch 1^ to 2 

 guilders each. The price rapidly dro})S; however, to 1, ^, 

 ^ guilder, and the average price, taking the season through, 

 is 12 cents each. About 5000 guilders are received in 

 Texel annually for Plovers' eggs, Friesland being a rival 

 in the industry ; from this it would appear that about 



