Birds. 1187 



Lesser Tern, Sterna minuta. In summer it mostly inhabits the 

 sandy beach near the Tees' mouth, and Seaton Point. 



Since the feet of the Laridae are fully in wquilibrio, all the kinds 

 walk with ease and agility ; they fly admirably, swim well, but seldom 

 or never dive. 



Obs. — In conclusion I will remark, that of late years anatomy has 

 greatly contributed to make us acquainted with a more correct know- 

 ledge of the organization of birds. And the examinations of the 

 windpipes and tracheal labyrinths and of the sterna, have thrown much 

 new light upon many species. And indeed I may safely state, that 

 the depth and variation in the keel of the breast-bone, and the entire 

 sternal apparatus, afford accurate characters whereby the principal 

 habits of birds may be ascertained, as they clearly point out the forms 

 best adapted to flying, swimming, running and other functions. But 

 as regards the anatomical investigation of the cervical vertebrae, and 

 likewise of the variations in the number of the ribs, much more is re- 

 quired to be done ; because these organs, I apprehend, will, if duly 

 studied, tend to distinguish several doubtful birds, and determine, 

 with other more obvious and external characters, the true station 

 which they ought to occupy in the great ' System of Nature.' 



John Hogg. 



Norton House, Stockton-on-Tees. 



Notes on the Birds of Belgium. By M. Julian Deby. 

 (Contined from page 1132). 

 Division VI. 

 Group c. Water-birds remaining during winter and leaving in spring. 



Oyster-catcher, Hcematopus ostralegus. This bird is not uncom- 

 mon on our shores, where it remains until late in spring. It occa- 

 sionally follows up the banks of our rivers in spring and autumn. It 

 nestles commonly in Norway, and, according to Mr. T. Edmondston, 

 jun., in Shetland, but I believe seldom if ever with us. 



Woodcock, Scolopax rasticola. A common bird with us during 

 the shooting-season. I have placed it in the present group, though 

 it leaves the country when the frosts are very intense. 



The woodcock travels by night, singly or in couples, and haunts 

 low and damp woods and hills. It is easy to know whether there are 

 any woodcocks in a wood by seeking for a spring or marshy spot, and 



