142 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
land’), in December, 1863, which had a valuable diamond in its 
stomach. This species has been killed by flying against the 
lighthouse at St. Mary’s Island, as many as five having been 
procured in a single night. 
Common Snipe (Gallinago colestis).— Sometimes seen near 
the coast; generally in Briar Dene in spring when the foreign 
bred birds, which have spent the winter with us, arrive un the 
coast preparatory to leaving us. Formerly the large numbers 
of migrants arriving from the north in October remained to rest 
for a day or so before passing inland, but now, of course, they 
are too much disturbed. I am indebted to Mr. W. Douglas, of 
Cullercoats, for the following note concerning this species, and I 
can vouch for the truth of his statement. During August of 1903 
he had some homer-pigeons which he was desirous of trying, so 
he took them about six miles away from his house and freed 
one. After circling round once or twice the bird shot off in the 
direction of home. Near where the pigeon had been released 
was a small marsh, and from this he saw a small bird rise up 
and fly after the pigeon. On arriving at his house about two 
hours later, he looked into his pigeon-cote and found the bird 
he had released there, and sitting just outside on the roof was a 
Snipe! On his attempting to reach it, it flew away, and he did 
not see it again. It is very singular that a Snipe, one of the 
most retiring of birds, should approach right into the midst of 
the dwellings of men. Perhaps it was on its way to the coast, 
and having no companion of its own species, it thought it would 
follow another bird which appeared to be in the same condition 
as itself. 
Jack Snipe (G. gallinula).—An autumn and winter visitant 
of irregular occurrence. I know of about twelve or fifteen 
occurrences. 
AmeRIcAN Pecrorat Sanppieer (T'ringa maculata).— Whitley 
Sands claim a specimen of this bird as the only one of the 
species recorded for Northumberland. On June 27th, 1858, 
Mr. Robert Duncan shot a bird, which, after considerable 
examination, was identified as belonging to this species. Mr. 
Duncan and his father first noticed it as they were walking 
along the shore to the island; it flew up in front, and they 
at once saw it was something out of the ordinary. His father 
