346 
THE BIRDS OF HAMPSHIRE. 
ingeniously that Markwick is moved to remark that those 
observations which tend " to set forth in a proper light the 
wonderful works of God in the creation, and to point out 
His wisdom in adapting the singular form and position of 
the limbs of this bird to the peculiar mode in which it 
is destined to pass the greatest part of its life, in an element 
much denser than the air, do Mr. White credit, not only as 
a naturalist, but as a man and as a philosopher, in the truest 
sense of the word, in my opinion ; for were we enabled 
to trace the works of Nature minutely and accurately, we 
should find, not only that every bird, but every creature, 
was equally well adapted to the purpose for which it was 
intended ; though this fitness and propriety of form is more 
striking in such animals as are destined to any uncommon 
mode of life." ' 
Bell remarks that a specimen was once brought to him 
from the same locality, and there is also a young male 
in the Alton Museum which was captured at Medstead in 
January, 1866. 
On the other side of the county it has occurred at 
Fordingbridge (Rev. J. P. Bartlett), and there are two 
specimens in the Earl of Malmesbury's collection. 
Mr. Hart also has specimens in his collection, one in 
summer plumage, obtained October 7th 1876, and one 
in winter plumage, procured January, 1886. 
Mr. Meade- Waldo says it is very rarely obtained except 
in winter plumage.^ 
More 3 speaks of their sometimes remaining off the 
Isle of Wight as late as April, and Dr. Cowper'^ confirms 
^ "Natural History of Selborne." Harting's Edition, p. 333. 
Victoria History of Hants." 
3 " Birds of the Isle of V^ight." i860. 
" Hants Court Guide." 1897. 
