44 Messrs. SiiEPPARD fljif/ Whitear's Catalogue 



few sometimes remain throughout the winter. At these times it 

 is found in various states of plumage. Some of the birds killed 

 in the spring have only partially acquired the red breast ; and of 

 those shot in autumn some have only partially lost it. This 

 appears to be an exceedingly stupid species. We met with a 

 flock of sixteen in September last, which, though repeatedly 

 shot at, would not leave the spot, and were all killed. Some of 

 them beino- wounded fell into the water, and swam about with 

 great ease. A Redshank, which was shot the same day, showed 

 an equal facility in swimming. The species was observed by 

 Captain Parry within the arctic circle. 



6. T. Ptignax (Ruff). 



Ruffs and Reeves breed in the marshes of Norfolk ; but they 

 are becoming scarcer every year, on account of the old birds 

 being eagerly sought after as soon as they arrive, for the London 

 market; to which place also the eggs are sent, together with those 

 of many other marsh birds. The Reeve is very tenacious of her 

 eggs. In the summer of 181? one was taken upon the nest by 

 the warrener's boy at Winterton, who carried it to his master, 

 and was ordered to set it at liberty : on the following day we 

 found the same bird upon her eggs again. 



Genus LI I. Tot 4 n us. 

 1. T.///sc»s (Spotted Snipe). 



A bird of this species, in the autumn plumage, was killed at 

 Yarmouth, and preserved by Mr. Youell. Another, shot near 

 Ipswich, in its summer dress, is now in the British Museum. 

 Mr. Wigg of Yarmouth has also seen two other specimens which 

 were shot near that town. 



The use of the small web between the outer and middle toes 

 of this and of several other species of waders appears to be, to 



give 



