SAELXL S SNIPE. 



155 



thrown out by Mr. Thompson, that it was only a variety of the Common Snipe, (Scolopax 

 gallinago.) The evidence which he offers in support of this idea, certainly seems rather 

 strong: but until a careful examination and dissection is made of a recent specimen, it 

 is quite impossible to speak decisively upon this point. The following measurements taken 

 from two of the stuffed Irish specimens by Mr. Thompson, and from three of the Common 

 Snipe, two by Mr. Thompson, and one by ourselves, may perhaps tend in some measure 

 to aid in elucidating the subject: — 



Total length 



Total length of bill above 



Total length of tarsus 



Total length of middle toe and nail. 

 Total length of wing from Carpus... 



Scolopai 



inches, lines. 



11 3 



Sabini. 

 inches, lines. 



10 8 

 2 9 

 1 3h 

 1 4 

 5 



Sco 



inches, lines. 



11 3 

 2 10* 

 1 4 

 1 5 

 5 



lopax gallin 



ago. 



inches, lines 

 11 4 



2 7 

 1 3i 



do. 



2 8 

 1 4 



1 4 

 5 3 



do. 

 



1 5 

 5 1 



The measurements of the third S. gallinago, are taken from our specimen, which was 

 shot in the spring, consequently an old bird in full plumage. It will be readily seen how 

 very closely the measurements of all approach each other. The bill in our specimen of 

 S. gallinago is much nearer in length that of S. Sabini than Mr. Thompson's specimens. 

 Mr. Yarreil gives the number of tail feathers as twelve, but the Irish specimen, shot near 

 Clonmel, had thirteen; and we presume when in perfect plumage would have had fourteen. 



The first killed specimen, which is now in the Museum of the London Zoological 

 Society, was shot in August, and was probably moulting. This may account for the 

 absence of two of the feathers. 



If this point were satisfactorily settled, there would seem to be scarcely sufficient grounds 

 for supposing this bird to be anything more than a dark variety of the Common Snipe. 

 Mere colour, at any rate of a plain kind, as black, white, or gray, cannot alone constitute 

 a species. M"e do not enter on this subject with a view to prove this to be merely a 

 variety, but to direct the attention of future observers to the more carefully minute 

 examination of any specimen that may occur. The length of the intestines and of the 

 cfeca should be ascertained, and all the external measurements shoidd be taken, along with 

 the weight, before the bird is skinned. The colour of the iris, as Avell as of the legs, 

 feet, and claws, should be noted. 



The habits of Sabine's Snipe do not appear to differ from those of the common kind. 

 It is found in the same haunts, and along with them; and on one occasion rose in 

 company with <S'. gallinago; on this occasion, too, its cry was the same; though on another 

 occasion, (Captain Bonham's specimen,) it rose without the usual "squeak." 



The bill, which is two inches and three-quarters in length, is dusky, olive brown at 

 the base; irides, dark brown. The upper parts are of a dusky brown, with narrow 

 bands of pale yellowish brown; primaries, dusky, the shafts black; under parts, "rufous 



