Tue Zoo.octst— Marcu, 1872. 2977 
A word as to Chapter V., intituled “ Distinguishing Characters 
of Shore Birds.” This little chapter, only fifteen pages, is worth 
all the rest: here Mr. Harting comes out as the accomplished 
ornithologist; I have read every word with pleasure and instruc- 
tion: in this field he will assuredly hereafter make a name more 
illustrious than many of his predecessors. The following, on size of 
curlews, is also extremely interesting, and I could wish such notes 
on magnitude extended to all our waders. 
“Those who have had much experience in shore shooting must have 
remarked how much curlews differ from one another in size. Whether 
this difference is dependent upon age or sex is a point still discussed by 
naturalists. We have hitherto been inclined to believe that the variation 
is owing to age; but as this conclusion has been drawn chiefly from external 
appearances, and in a few instances only from actual dissection (for we 
generally eat all the curlews we get), and, as in the case of other waders,— 
for example, the bartailed godwit,—the female has proved to be invariably 
much larger than the male, it is possible that the same rule may hold good 
with the curlew.”—P. 51. 
Here I take leave of this amusing little book, to which I heartily 
wish every success, and hope soon to see a second edition, in 
which the commissariat may be omitted, and all other émpedimenta 
to success entirely removed. 
Epwarkp NEwMaN. 
Ornithological Notes from Norfolk—October to December, 1871. 
By Henry Stevenson, Esq., and J. H. Gurney, Jun., Esq. 
n OCTOBER. 
Jay.—At the latter end of this month jays were unusually 
plentiful at Cromer, indicating a migratory movement.—G.* 
Pheasant.— A hen just beginning to assume male plumage 
was shot at Trimmingham, and a more advanced one was soon 
after observed at Northrepps.—G. 
Rook.—At the close of this month some of the farmers were 
endeavouring to keep off the large flocks of rooks by lighting fires 
in their fields.—G. 
* The letter G is appended to Mr. Gurney’s communications in this series, in 
order to facilitate reference, at a future time, to the responsible author of any 
particular note. 
