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6 
egg, which was carefully verified as belonging to the bird sent, and which, he adds, does not 
differ from the egg of the ordinary honey-breasted form. In the series I have examined I have 
found the one form graduate into the other, and some specimens are difficult to determine as to 
which they most resemble; and Mr. Hancock has arrived at the same conclusion from a careful 
examination of specimens which have passed through his hands. I can, however, scarcely confirm 
his statement that the vinous-breasted form is the prevalent one in Sweden. This is certainly 
not the case in Norway; for Mr. Collett refers to the occurrence of one breeding on the Hyaléer 
amongst individuals of the honey-breasted form as an exceptional case. And, judging from 
Von Wright's descriptions (Finl. Fog]. i. p. 145), only the common form is found in Finland. 
I have carefully measured a large series of both forms and can find no constant, but only 
individual, variation in measurements. 
Mr. Gatcombe writes to me (respecting a most peculiar monstrosity of this species, recorded 
by him in the ‘ Zoologist’ for February 1873):—‘ This bird had four legs but no tail (at least 
where it should have been); but there was a most perfect one growing on the head, just above 
the left eye, projecting behind much like the depressed crest of a Hoopoe. This head-tail (if I 
might so call it) was quite perfect, and the outer feather on each side marked with the usual 
dull white. Two of its legs were in their proper places; but the other pair were dangling 
from behind, the feet touching the ground, but of no earthly use, being dragged along, as it 
were, after the bird, and appeared thin, shrivelled, and very light in colour, with the claws 
much produced. I watched this bird, off and on, for more than two hours with a powerful 
telescope, and could see it as plainly as if it were in my hand. It was very active, running about 
and feeding among the sea-weed in company with many of its own species and others, none of 
which attempted to molest it. From either side of the rump of this extraordinary bird sprang 
tufts of ‘ fluffy’ slate-coloured feathers, from under which the legs appeared. I have now by me 
a very young duckling similar with regard to the legs, but the tail growing out of the side instead 
of on the head. The most extraordinary circumstance concerning the Rock-Pipit seems to be 
that of its having arrived at a state of maturity, such monstrosities, I believe, being seldom known 
to live.” 
On the Plate, in the foreground, to the right, is figured the male specimen above described, 
and in the background, to the left, a very fine specimen of the vinous-breasted form or variety— 
both birds being in my collection. 
In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens :— 
E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 
a, 3g. Hampstead, October 5th, 1869 (Davy). 6,3,¢,2. Bexhill, Sussex, October 2nd, 1860 (H. E. D.). 
d, e. Brighton, Sussex, October 26th, 1869 (Davy). f,?. Hythe, February 9th, 1874 (Colonel Irby). 
g, h. Orkney (Dunn). i. Aker, Norway, April 5th, 1862 (R. Collett). k. Hvalée, Norway, May 27th, 
1865, vinous-breasted form, shot from nest (R.C.). J, pull. Jederen, Norway, June 1872 (R.C.).. m, 3. 
Leiden, Holland, October 11th, 1870 (Sala). x. Tangier (Olcese). 
