OYSTER-CATCHER.— AVOCET. 213 



cloth at the end, who took them for a few hoirrs' recreation 

 on the shore. 



This species forms no actual nestj but collects a few white 

 shells, and pebbles, and now and then pieces of tobacco-pipe, 

 around the eggs. What may be the object of this, when on the 

 beach, does not easily appear, but when on the bare rock, 

 where I have often found them, it is no doubt to prevent the 

 eggs from rolling, or being blown away. 



Although in Scotland, where I have seen it on the Spey 

 and other rivers, it goes far inland to breed among the flat 

 stones of the shores, I have never heard of it ialand in 

 Sussex, the muddy banks of our small rivers being unsuitable 

 to its habits. Its note is a loud whistle, which may be heard 

 a long distance, and it swims with great ease when so dis- 

 posed, and dives also. It feeds on limpets, mussels, and 

 Crustacea, prizing off the two former from the rocks with the 

 greatest ease. 



Notwithstanding its name, I greatly doubt its ability to 

 open the shell of an oyster, or its power to withdraw its bill, 

 should it attempt to scoop out the animal while gaping for 

 the tide. The flesh is by no means desirable, although it is 

 stated in the ' Northumberland Household Book,' " Item : 

 Seepyes for my Lorde at the princypall Feestes, and non 

 other tyme." 



SCOLOPACID^. 



AVOCET. 



Becurvirostra avocetta. 



Owing to extensive draining, this bird, which was formerly 

 not uncommon in .the marshy districts of the county in the 



