6 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
found a nest with three eggs, and he also states that he obtained 
eggs of the Greenshank in Yell. That island need have some- 
thing to recommend it, for it is the dreariest and least picturesque 
of the group. The moorlands are everywhere enlivened by the 
pipe of the Golden Plover, whilst on the small islands the clamour 
of the Oyster-catchers is sometimes deafening. But it is needless 
to notice birds which are to be found elsewhere; and those who 
wish to have more particulars of the species which frequent the 
Shetlands, both in summer and in winter, should consult Dr. 
Saxby’s book, or, better still, his notes in past numbers of this 
Journal. 
It is frequently supposed that a naturalist is of necessity 
a destroyer of life, and that under the plea of the requirements 
of science he frequently indulges in wanton slaughter. This 
reputation may be deserved by some, but unfortunately all who 
take an interest in Natural History suffer for it, and then, after 
visitors have left, names are mentioned, and loose statements 
made about their doings, which are sometimes exaggerated and 
often untrue. I know such assertions have been made about a 
friend of mine from the North Country, who was up there last 
May; and, therefore, I take this opportunity of saying that 
during the whole of my stay in Shetland I never took, or caused 
to be taken, the life of any wild bird whatsoever. 
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE 
IN THE AUTUMN OF 1879. 
By Joun CorpDEAvx. 
Tue Whimbrel is amongst the last of our shore birds to leave 
in the spring, and the first whose note we expect to hear on the 
return journey of our autumnal migrants. I heard the familiar 
call-note, “‘tetty, tetty, tetty—tet,’ when in church on Sunday 
morning, July 27th. On the 28th there were half-a-dozen in the 
marsh, where they remained about the same field for a few days, 
and on the 3lst were joined by some young Curlews. They 
likewise passed over on several other days during the season, 
noticeably on the night of August 12th, heard when at sea off 
Bridlington ; and again on the 14th and 15th, daytime, wind $.E. 
to S.W., across this parish ; all the flocks invisible, from the great 
