284 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



4. Icelandic Forms. — It is reasonable to argue that Cygnus 

 musicus, Bernicla leucopsis, Tringa striata, T. canutus, Calidris 

 arenaria, Numenius phaeopus, Colymbus glacialis, Motacilla alba, 

 and possibly Plectrophenax nivalis, Dafila acuta, and Chaulelasmus 

 streperus visit the Solway Firth from Iceland, and the continents 

 or islands lying north or north-west of Iceland, as their breeding- 

 grounds in several cases must be looked for in Iceland. Calidris 

 arenaria sometimes arrives on the sands of the Solway late in 

 May in thousands, though in autumn this species only occurs 

 in small parties on the same foreshores. It is also a winter 

 visitant. 



5. North European Forms. — Great interest attaches to certain 

 species which appear to visit us from their breeding-grounds in 

 the extreme north of Europe, east of the Varanger Fiord, in- 

 cluding Cygnus bewicki, Bernicla brenta, Tringa minuta, Squata- 

 rola helvetica, Totanus fuscus. The last named is not obtained 

 annually on the Solway Firth, but few seasons, if any, pass 

 without its note being recognized. It occurs between August 

 and November, in immature dress. S. helvetica often appears on 

 the estuaries in autumn in almost perfect nuptial garb, and full- 

 dressed birds are seen in May. This species appears to be very 

 rare in Western Britain north of the Solway Firth. It has been 

 said that few, if any, Grey Plovers leave England in spring from 

 any point north of the Humber basin ; but this is a mistake. 

 The fork of the Solway 7nay act like a funnel, to catch up such 

 individuals as have made their way up the Irish coasts, and 

 desire to migrate in an easterly direction. But this Plover does 

 not occur on the open coast of Cumberland, except as a straggler; 

 it is not until the higher reaches of the Firth are attained that 

 the Grey Plover checks its flight to alight upon the wet sands 

 that it haunts so assiduousl}'. Tringa minuta has occurred in 

 every month from August to January, and exceptionally in June ; 

 but September is the month in which it usually appears, and at 

 that season only young birds have been procured. As for 

 Cygnus beivicki, it has occurred as early as October, and as late 

 as April ; but is usually met with in winter. Adults largely 

 outnumber the cygnets, for Swans are very long-lived. 



6. Pelagic Birds. — The wanderings of the various species of 

 Laridce ought, strictly speaking, to be recorded by some seafaring 



