394 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



more or less decayed condition, by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson. 

 (Rev. H. A. Macpherson, < Field,' Aug. 27, J 892, and in litt) 



[Since these lines were written, Mr. L. Sawray Cookson, of 

 Broughton Tower, Lancashire, has reported (' Field,' 22nd Oct. 

 1892) that on Sept. 26th, when staying at Crofton Hall, near 

 Wigton, Cumberland, be shot a male Ruddy Sheldrake on the 

 large pond in the park.] 



England and Scotland, N., N.E. and E. Coasts. 



June 20th. A flock of five, one shot, Durness, Sutherland- 

 shire. These Sheldrakes were reported as "not difficult to 

 stalk." The specimen obtained was very slightly wounded, and 

 an endeavour was made to keep the bird alive. For some ten 

 days it seemed likely the experiment would prove successful, but 

 the Sheldrake then began to pine, and died about July 13th. 

 " In the course of the fortnight after June 20th" three flocks were 

 seen by the observer, who had obtained the above-mentioned 

 Ruddy Sheldrake. The three flocks appeared to keep separate : 

 one consisted of fourteen birds, one of ten, and one of four (i. e. 

 the remainder of the first flock). At the beginning of July they 

 disappeared from the neighbourhood. (Rev. W. C. M. Grant 

 and T. E. Buckley in litt.) 



July 5th. A flock of eight: one (male) shot, two more 

 injured. Thorpe Mere, Suffolk. These Sheldrakes were seen, 

 by a most competent observer, coming in from the sea. When 

 first noticed they were over a mile out, and flying at a consider- 

 able height (100 — 150 yards). They appeared to be steering due 

 N.W., and " made " the land about half a mile north of Alde- 

 burgh, still keeping the same elevation. On seeing Thorpe 

 Mere, however, the flock began to lower, and, after circling round 

 a few times, finally settled on a wet marsh, and began to feed. 

 Having examined them with a glass, and being unable to identify 

 them, the individual in question punted after them, and, getting 

 three together, shot, gathering one and wounding two others. 

 The whole flock, including the two wounded birds, rose and went 

 off in a direction due N. or N. by E. One or other of the 

 wounded ones returned the following day, and remained about 

 the Mere for some weeks, but so wild as to be absolutely un- 

 approachable either by stalking or punting. The remainder of 

 the flock (five) were not seen again in the district. (F. M. O ) 



