1752 Thk Zoologist— July, 1809. 



so on the mainland both north and south of that island. Lil<e the 

 peewit at home this species prefers inland and cultivated districts. 



Buffbreasted Sandpiper, Tryngites rufescens (F/e/7/). — A summer 

 migrant, but not very common. I did not succed in taking eggs of 

 this species, but I think it breeds on some of the drier spots in marshes 

 in Newfoundland. 



Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa {Linn.) — Only a periodical visitor; 

 most common in the fall. This and the following species are called 

 " dotterels," by the settlers. 



Hudsonian Godwit, L. hudsonica {Latham). — Visits Newfoundland 

 in its periodical migrations, but is most common in the fall of the year, 

 Avhen it is generally very fat and much appreciated for the table. 



Lonfibilled Curlew, Numenius longirostris, JVilxon. — A periodical 

 migrant much sought after by the settlers, who are great adepts in 

 imitating its whistle, by which means they kill many that would other- 

 wise pass a long distance out of range. It is a fat, good-eating bird 

 in the fall. 



Hudsonian Curlew, N. hudsonicus, L/tlhani. — Frequently con- 

 fouuded by the settlers, Jinder the name of "Jack Curlew," with the 

 preceding species, with which it is about equally common, and 

 like that visits Newfoundland in its migrations, but does not breed 

 there. 



Esquimaux Curlew, N. borealis {Forster). — By far the most com- 

 mon species of curlew, but like the preceding .species is only a 

 periodical visitor; coming by thousands in the fall, but very rarely in 

 the spring; in fact, I think they take some other and more direct 

 route at that season. They feed on the berries of Enipeiriim nigrum, 

 which stain the feathers posteriorly a rich dark purple. These birds 

 arrive in Newfoundland on their migration about the last week in 

 August, and remain until the end of September, when they are always 

 very fat, and delicious eating. I was told by one of the old English 

 settlers that they were so abundant some seasons that he had himself 

 shot fifty in one morning before sunrise. 



Virginia Rail, Rallus virginianus, Linn. — A summer migrant and 

 apparently rare : 1 saw only one specimen ; but the well known habits 

 of the Rallidcc — that of concealment among reeds in marshy places — 

 may account for a seeming paucity in individuals. 



Common American Rail, Porzana Carolina, Vieill. — A summer 

 migrant, and, although not common, is probably more so than the 

 preceding. 



