172 THE BIRDS OF DEVOX. 



18.')2, p. 7). One was observed fishing for perch and roach at Slapton Ley for several 

 days, and was at last shot by Mr. J. Michehuore, who left it where if, dropped. It 

 was eventually picked up by Mr. John Goodwin, from whom it was obtaiued by Mr. 

 Henry XichoUs, in whose collection it now remains ( H. N., Zool. 181)4, p. 'M'.id ; and 

 MS. >'otes). In 1875 one frequented the Avon, and tbree were seen at Millbrook, just 

 opposite Devonport, and one was shot (J. G., Zool. 1875, p. 4710 1. One was seen 

 on the Dart, December 7th, 1874 (G. F. M., Zool. 1875, p. 4320) ; and one was 

 killed there September 1875 (E. P., Trans. Devon. Assoc, vol. viii. p. 257). One wa3 

 obtained on the Teign in 1875 (T. Jacobs and C. S., c. >:.). 



The Osprev was frequently seen on the Exe, and one was observed for a month 

 in September 1845 (F. W. L. E., Zool. 1815, p. ll'JO). Dr. W. R. Scoit remarks 

 that this bird was not a very uncommon visitor, as almost every winter one or two 

 were shot in the neighbourhood of Exeter. One was shot on the Exe, December 18i7 

 (Zool. 1849, p. 2384). The specimen in Mr. Byne's collection was .shot on the Exe 

 estuary October 4th, 18().'), and was seen by us on the previous day, perched on a 

 beacon-pole stuck in the mud between Tojjsham and Turf (W. S. M. D'L'.. Zool. 

 18()."), p. (W47). One was wounded on Dawlish Warren in October 180(5. One was 

 trapped at Puwderham, o:i the Exe estuary, in June 18I5U, having been feeding on 

 young Pheasants. Another was shot on Dawlish Warren, April 27th, 1871. 



One occurred on Braimton Marshes. September 18(j8 (G. F. M., Zool. L"5ii8, p. 1400). 

 Mr. Cecil Smith mentions one from Xorth Devon, about September 1809 (B. of 

 Somerset, p. 4, note). Two were observed, and one killed, in the neighbourhood of 

 Barnstaple in Seplernber 1875 (M. A. M., Zool. 1875, p. 4720). The 0.--prey is an 

 occasional vi^itor to Lundy Island (Trans. D. Assoc, iv. and viii.). 



The Osprey used to be met with very frequently on the Cornish 

 estuaries, but, alas I both in Cornwall and Dovou, at the present time, it 

 is ver)- rarely seen. On the coast of Dor.set it was not unfrequent up to 

 1881. 



Order STEGAXOPODES. 



Family PELECANID^. 



THE CORMORANTS. 



The next family of birds we have to consider raay be 

 termed Aquatic Birds of 1^'ey, being as eminently titled 

 for the pursuit of fishes under water as the Accipitres are 

 for the capture of birds in the air, or small animals on 

 the surface of the land. Some of them rival the Easfles 

 and Falcons in power of flight (the Frigate Birds of tropical 

 oceans even surpassing them), and the splendid dash of 

 the Gannet on its finny prey reminds one of the Osprey ; 

 but whereas the latter seizes a fish with its powerful 

 talonSj the Gannet, being NAcb-footed, can only do so with 



