494 GLEANINGS FROM THE CALCUTTA MARKET. 



In 1875 (S. F., III., 273) the late Mr. Anderson announced 

 its occurrence in Futtehgurh (North- West Provinces) and in 

 Hurdui, in Oudh, and now here we have it actually close to 

 Calcutta. 



963. — Mareca penelope, Lin. 



A specimen or two occasionally — perhaps fifty during the 

 season — never more ; at times, I dare say, less. 



964. — Querquedula crecca, Lin. 



Comparatively scarce — some mornings a few may be seen, 

 but probably not above one to ten of 



965.— Querquedula circia, Lin. 



The Blue-winged Teal, which is always pretty plentiful, from 

 early in October to late in April, though most numerous from 

 December to March. 



966.— Querquedula formosa, Georgi. 



It was in this Calcutta Bazaar that Blyth, in 1844, obtained 

 the only specimen of Q. formosa, Georgi, ever yet, so far as I 

 know, preserved within our limits. I say preserved, because 

 several correspondents profess to have heard, seen and shot 

 them, but, as I always tell them, I will accept this when they 

 send me a specimen and not before. Strickland, I. think, used 

 to say, " What's hit is history ; what's missed is mystery," 

 but I go further, and only acknowledge in the case of most 

 Indian sportsman, as history, species of which specimens have 

 been preserved. 



The only decently-authenticated record of the occurrence 

 of this species in India, since 1844, is one by Mr. E. James, 

 now Post Master General, Bombay, who had a water-colour 

 painting of the head of a Teal shot in Sindh, which certainly was 

 male Q. formosa. I wish sportsmen all over the country would 

 keep a sharp look out for this species. 



966 bis.— Querquedula falcata, Georgi. 



I have already (Vol. IV., 225) reported the occurrence of 

 this species near Kurnal (Punjaub), and near Lucknow (Oudh), 

 and now I have to record obtaining a lovely specimen on the 

 2nd January in the Calcutta Bazaar. 



This species has not yet been described in Jerdon or Stray 

 Feathers. 



The following are the dimensions, &c, of my specimen : — 



Male. — Length, 19*75 ; expanse, 32*5 ; wing, 9 - 5; tail from 

 vent, 3'2 ; tarsus, 1*5 ; bill from gape, 2'1 ; weight, 1 lb. 6 ozs. 



