SANDPIPER. GRALLATORES. TOTANUS. 73 
occurring between authors, who must be referred to for con- 
sultation, renders the identity of species and the collation of 
synonyms a matter of considerable difficulty, and very often 
of great uncertainty; the descriptions appended being in 
many instances so short and unsatisfactory, as to make it al- 
most impossible to say with decision to what bird they really 
belong. Among the synonyms quoted by recent writers as 
belonging to the Redshank, is the Gambetta of PENNANT’s 
British Zoology ; but this, I think, belongs more properly 
to the Ruff (Tringa pugnazx of authors) in its young state, 
or after it has lost its nuptial dress; and, as Montacu 
seems in favour of such an opinion, I have attached it to 
that bird. The 7'’ringa Bewickii of Montacu, and Totanus 
Bewickit of Steruens, a bird described by BEwicx from 
two specimens sent to him from Lincolnshire, also appears 
to belong to the Ruff rather than to the Redshank ; indeed, 
Bewicx’s description corresponds very closely with speci- 
mens of the Reeve in my collection. Tringa striata of La- 
THAM certainly belongs to this species in its young, or nest- 
ling, feathers; but the other synonyms quoted by him refer 
to the Purple (or Rock) Tringa (T'ringa maritima). Du- 
ring the winter the Redshank is found upon the sea-coast, 
and about the mouths of rivers, in small flocks; but on the 
approach of spring it retires inland, to the fenny parts of the 
country, where it breeds. Its nest is placed on some large Nest, &. 
tuft of grass in the marshes, or on the ground in moist mea- 
dows; and is there formed by lining a shallow hole or de- 
pression with dry grasses and other vegetable remains. The 
eggs, four in number, are rather smaller than those of Vanel- 
lus cristatus (Common Lapwing), in colour a deep oil-green, 
blotched with blackish-brown ; with the spots most numerous 
at the larger end.—During incubation, when disturbed from 
its nest, this bird is very vociferous, flying round the in- 
truder, and unceasingly uttering its shrill and piping notes. 
Upon the coast it is generally very wild and wary, and, as 
it always gives a loud whistle upon first rising, it spreads an 
