368 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



but, there being several of them, I was unable positively to say 

 whether the same individuals attached themselves, in this 

 manner, to"two or more birds in succession. Later, however, I 

 saw a clear instance of polyandry on the part of one Eeeve, at 

 any rate, and there were signs of it, also, in others. The Eeeve 

 in question went twice from one Buff to another — the same two 

 in both cases — and the nuptial rite was performed with each in 

 turn. The greater severity of the fighting was also, to-day, very 

 noticeable. I also made the discovery of what seems to be 

 another and much smaller meeting-ground. Some five or six 

 Buffs stood there in quite the characteristic manner, and strained 

 up and whisked their wings forward when any other bird flew by. 

 This they would do though the flying birds were far off. Once, 

 indeed, I could not see them, but the action is too characteristic 

 for its cause to be matter of doubt. Looking through the 

 glasses, I did not recognize these birds, so that possibly we may 

 have here a smaller independent gathering. If so, however, 

 it will be contrary to the opinion of those who should best know 

 these breeding-grounds. 



May 1st.— I was down at 3 this morning, but have nothing 

 special to note. It was the same scene as yesterday, but up to 6, 

 when the cold and discomfort drove me out, not nearly so pro- 

 nounced. At first the Beeves showed a marked preference for a 

 certain bird — a star that has lately risen — which I may call the 

 black Buff, since his ruff is of that colour, or at least dark. This 

 bird was very active and vigorous, darting about and fighting, or 

 ready to fight, with any others ; but whether he was more so 

 than several of these others, with whom he several times 

 encountered, I cannot say. It is easy, of course, to make his 

 success with the Beeves the criterion of this, and to say he was — 

 but that is to argue in a circle. It must be remembered that, 

 during the first two or three days of the pairing — as far as I saw 

 it — this bird had not obtained favour. The Beeves had then a 

 most decided jjreference for a certain brown Buff, and, after him, 

 for another whose ruff was of a blue, or bluey-black, colour. Both 

 these birds are fine, handsome males, but neither of them have 

 made themselves especially pre-eminent as fighters, and the 

 brown one, especially, has shown a strong predilection for the 

 particular spot where he always stands or sits. If worried, or 



