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PRrECOCIAL G-RALLATORES — LIMICOL^E. 
Mr. Godman met witli this species on the Azores. A small flock was usually to 
be seen in company with some Turnstones about the rocks near Santa Cruz, in Flores. 
He was told that in summer they were frequently noticed upon the rough pasture- 
land, and high up in the mountains. It was the common opinion that they go there 
only to feed. Mr. Godman had no doubt that they also breed there, as he procured 
in June a male in full summer or breeding plumage ; but his opinions must be 
regarded as problematical. 
In Great Britain, according to Yarrell, the Purple Sandpiper, though well known, 
is not very numerous. It is found on various parts of the coast, preferring the 
rocky portions, where it is seen from September, throughout the winter, until April 
or May. That some which leave do not go far, and that a few remain and breed, is 
regarded as certain. Some are absent a very short time, young ones returning with 
them ; and on one occasion, on the Fame Islands, Mr. Selby met with a family of this 
species, the young of which were scarcely able to fly. It is commonly only a winter 
visitant, and may be seen busily turning over the stones, or searching among the 
seaweed for the smaller shrimps and sand-hoppers. It also feeds on small crabs, 
marine insects, and the soft bodies of the smaller shellfish. Mr. Dunn states that 
it is very numerous in Shetland and the Orkneys in the early spring, collecting there 
in large flocks. It may be found on the rocks at ebb-tide, watching each retiring 
wave, running down as the water falls back, picking small shellfish off the stones, 
and displaying great activity in escaping from the advancing sea. Hone remain 
there to breed. 
It is said by Wheelwright to breed only in the far north, and never to be seen in 
Scandinavia except in the autumn, or occasionally in the winter. Sommerfeldt states 
that it is very common during the summer on the north coast of West Finland. Mr. 
Wheelwright had received specimens from Iceland and Greenland, but never from 
Lapland. The Messrs. Godman found it on the islands near Bodoe, in Norway, 
throughout the summer. The first specimen was obtained May 4. It is occasional 
in Switzerland and in Italy ; and Mr. H. Saunders found it abundant during the 
winter in Southern Spain. 
Mr. Boardman informs me that it is quite common near Calais, Me., in the winter, 
where it is known as the “ Winter Snipe.” It is also very abundant about the rocky 
shores of Grand Menan. It is very irregular in its appearance on the eastern coast 
of Massachusetts, where in some winters it appears in great numbers, and then again 
is rarely seen for several years. Mr. Giraud never met with this species, and regarded 
it as an exceedingly rare bird on the shores of Long Island ; occasionally, however, 
specimens are seen in the New York market which have been taken on the eastern 
end of that island. 
Mr. Kumlien mentions this Wader as the first to arrive at Cumberland, and the 
last to leave in autumn, coming by the 1st of June, the earliest moment at which 
they could have found any rocks bare at low-tide. Their arrival took place during 
a severe snow-storm, and the birds huddled together under the ledges like a flock of 
Quails in winter. They remained until November, as late as they could find any 
exposed shore, and were very common. Some are said to remain in the fiords of 
South Greenland all winter. 
They are devoid of fear, and can almost be caught with the hand. They nest on 
the borders of fresh-water lakes, and at this time nearly desert the sea-shore. When 
in large flocks they keep up a lively and very pleasant twitter. During the breeding- 
season the males have a peculiar cry, somewhat resembling that of Bartram’s Tattler, 
but lower, and not so prolonged. When the male utters this note it assumes a digni- 
