5676 Birds. 



The coot (Fulica aira) was common enough in Bulgaria, and I 

 should think is most likely to be found in the Crimea. 



Nat at ores. 



The notes on the waterfowl are but scanty. As to geese, I had it 

 on the authority of others that some were killed in the Crimea during 

 the winter of 1855-56, and Lieut. Irby, in his list, mentions the white- 

 fronted goose (Anser albifrons) as very common ; if this be certain it 

 is curious that, west of the Black Sea, the graylag goose (Anser 

 ferus) should take its place, as observed by me, in Bulgaria, during 

 March. 



A few days before the middle of March I observed a swan on the 

 harbour of Sebastopol, which the officer above mentioned considers 

 was the hooper (Cygnus musicus) ; however, I did not get a clear view 

 of one, but was told that a couple of swans were shot in Balaclava 

 Harbour shortly after Christmas day, which differed considerably in 

 size, and were therefore considered to be male and female ; they were 

 described as having the bill and legs black, head light slate-colour, 

 and whole body white. 



I have seen a specimen of the common shieldrake {Anas tadoma), 

 which was killed by an officer near the Tchernaya from a couple which 

 rose; the other coming down, however, at some distance, not quite 

 dead, was bagged by one of our allies. 



I have little doubt that the ruddy shieldrake (Anas rutila) also 

 inhabits the Crimea, as Lieut. Irby tells me that a specimen was 

 brought home to England by an officer. 



The wild duck [Anas boschas) has been killed, and I examined a 

 fine specimen, shot in the winter near Balaclava. 



I observed the teal (Anas crecca) on several occasions ; and a friend 

 of mine, on whose authority I can rely, told me that he shot both teal 

 and wigeon (Anas Penelope) in the harbour of Sebastopol towards the 

 end of winter; and I saw a specimen of the latter which he had 

 preserved. Dr. William Carte also obtained both in March, as also 

 the whiteheaded duck (Anas leucocephala), which is mentioned by 

 Gould as common in the East of Europe : this specimen is in the 

 Museum of the Royal Dublin Society. 



A pochard (Anas ferina) came into my hands which had been 

 picked up by a canteen-man, who had seen it fall while on his way to 

 Balaclava one morning ; he kept it for a few days until it died. Dr. 

 W. Carte also brought home a specimen of this bird. My friend who 



