78 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE AS A NATURALIST. 
through the sternon,” which, he remarks, is not to he found in the 
common Swans. 
Ganet. Gannet. One is alluded to as having been killed by 
a greyhound near Swaffham. These birds, under stress of weather, 
occasionally fly inland, in an exhausted condition. 
Skua hoyeri. Great Skua. Occasionally in hard winters. 
Mergus major farrensis. Great Northern Diver. Pennant 
gives one name for this bird as Mergus maximus farrensis, sice 
arcticus, which evidently indicates the same species. 
Pica marina , or Sea-pie. Oyster-catcher. Only named as 
occurring, but must have been numerous in suitable localities. 
Lari, Sea-mews and Cobs. Many sorts. Larus major is 
spoken of as being in great abundance, in Herring time, about 
Yarmouth. It does not seem clear what bird is referred to here 
as Larus major. Cob is one of the local names of the Black-headed 
Gull* 
Larus alba or Puets (so in the original). As this is referred 
to as breeding in great numbers about Horsey and at Scoulton 
Meres, the name, of course, refers to the Black-headed or Pewit Gull. 
Larus cinereus, greater and smaller, commonly called Sterns. 
It seems difficult to identify these birds. Professor Newton states 
that Starn was formerly a common name in Norfolk for the Black 
Tern. There can be no greater and smaller Black Terns, nor are 
they likely to be referred to as “coarse meat.” 
tlirundo marina, or “ Sea Swallow. A neat white and forked- 
tayle bird ; but much longer than a Swallow.” Evidently the 
common Tern. 
Ciconia or Stork. Evidently rare in Browne’s time, though 
two are mentioned as having been shot in the marshes between 
Norwich and Yarmouth. 
Platea or Shovelard, Spoonbill. “ AVch build upon the tops 
of high trees.” At Claxton and Iieedham, and Trimley in Suffolk. 
Stevenson says, that “ but for Sir T. Browne’s record, it would 
scarcely be credited at the present time, that this remarkable 
species was formerly a resident in East Anglia.” See Newton on 
* The MS. says : “ Many sorts of Lari, Sea-mews, and Cobs [then adds] the 
Larus maior in great abundance in herring time about Yarmouth.” This 
evidently refers to one of the larger Gulls, it may be the Greater Black- 
backed or the Herring Gull. 
