PALLAs's SAND GROUSE IN LINCOLNSHIRE. 423 



the country, — it is impossible to give more than an approximate 

 estimate of their number. 



Exclusive of the flocks seen near the coast late in August and 

 in September and October, which may probably be referred to 

 birds coming from the interior, and approaching the sea before 

 taking their departure, the number actually recorded as visiting 

 Lincolnshire is, as far as I am able to ascertain, about one 

 hundred and eighty-four. Making a liberal allowance for flocks 

 seen more than once, we may certainly estimate the number as 

 considerably exceeding one hundred. I am strongly inclined to 

 think that, taking the dates as they occur, the number in each 

 flock, and the localities in which the birds have been seen, I am 

 justified iu placing the actual amount at about one hundred and 

 forty to fifty between May 18th and July 28th. The number 

 killed being twenty-five, of which sixteen were shot, eight died of 

 poisoned grain, and one was killed on the railway. 



It will be seen by reference to the notes that there are 

 indications of a second and very considerable arrival of Sand 

 Grouse about the middle of June, either the result of birds 

 changing their locality, or perhaps a fresh arrival from the 

 Continent. In 'The Naturalist' for July, 1888, Mr. Matthew 

 Bailey records several flocks of Sand Grouse as appearing at 

 Flamborough between the 15th and 18th of June ; and in one of 

 the Migration Schedules recently received from Mr. John Odgers, 

 of the High Light, "Whitby, are the entries : — " June 16th. Four 

 Sand Grouse, 2 p.m., calm, o. c. p.m., in field close to light- 

 house. June 17th. Three Sand Grouse, 10 a.m., N.W., close to 

 lighthouse." 



I have no information to lead to the conclusion that any 

 Sand Grouse have nested, or attempted to nest, anywhere in this 

 county. 



[A Report on Palks's Sand Grouse in the North-West of England 

 has recently been published by Mr. H. A. Macpherson in the ' Transactions 

 of the Cumberland and Westmoreland Association for the Advancement of 

 Literature and Science' (No. XIII., 1888, pp. 59—75); and we are glad to 

 announce the promise of a similar Report from Norfolk by Mr. Thomas 

 Southwell, which we hope to publish in our next. — Ed.j 



