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their posterior margins are finely denticulated as in the preceding 
species. The form and position of the fins is the same as in G. 
punctatus, but their rays are slightly coarser and proportionally 
fewer in number, though it is difficult to ascertain with accuracy 
their numbers in the various fins. The articulations of the rays 
are also a little closer, but the configuration of the joints is the 
same, these being emarginate distally, convex proximally, and with 
a little furrow parallel with their anterior and posterior margins, 
but I have not observed any additional furrows or strise than those 
near the bases of the dorsal and anal as in the Wardie species. 
Geological Position and Locality . — A considerable number of 
examples of this species have occurred in the Blackband ironstone 
at Yenturefair Colliery, Grilmerton, and are contained in the Edin- 
burgh Museum of Science and Art, and in the private collection of 
the author. A fragment in the Hunterian Museum of the Uni- 
versity of Glasgow, from the ironstone of Possil, also a member of 
the Carboniferous Limestone series, though higher in position than 
that of Gilmerton, is probably also referable to the same. 
5. On the Huff (. Machetes pugnax). By Professor Duns. 
I 
The exceedingly beautiful bird now on the table was forwarded 
to me on the 1st of September last by Mr Wilson, Edington Mains, 
Chirnside, Berwickshire. It had been shot two days previously. 
Mr Wilson says, “ On comparing it with all the Waders figured 
by Bewick (the only work of the kind which I possess), I find 
none that correspond ; whence I infer that it is really a rara avis.” 
He adds, “ When noticed by the edge of the pond by my children 
it had a young one with it, which they saw it feeding. The young 
one, they said, was much lighter in its plumage, but was old enough 
to fly strongly.” The note led me to expect a full-grown female 
wader and young one. But the size of the bird and its general 
features of maturity showed it to be a male, in full winter plumage. 
Its companion, described as young, doubtless from its size, seems 
to have been the female, or reeve, which is little more than half 
the size of the male. In this respect the ruff differs from most of 
the sub-family Tringince, in which the females are generally larger 
than the males. 
