476 mr. a. h. Patterson’s natural history 
of Yarmouth, where another acquaintance of mine saw them 
a little earlier on the same date — no doubt the same flock. 
To-day I saw three birds feeding near Breydon which I at 
first believed to be Meadow Pipits. On putting them to 
flight, which they appeared very reluctant to do, I noticed 
an uncommon amount of white on the two outside feathers 
on either side the tail. It struck me at the time as being 
rather unusual ; but not being prepared to suspect anything 
rarer, I paid no more heed to them, and let them go. 
On taking up the ‘ Zoologist ’* of December, I happened to 
read an article on the Water-Pipit, and further reference to 
Saunders’ ‘ Manual ’ I was astonished to find how curiously 
my birds corresponded with the descriptions there given of 
that species. I have been back to the spot since then, but, 
as I was prepared to be, was disappointed at not again meeting 
with these birds. Cautiously introducing the matter and my 
suspicions to an old and observant gunner, he strangely 
enough spoke of seeing three birds a few hours previously at 
the harbour mouth near the piles of the breakwater, which he 
noticed “ carried more than usual ” white on their tails. There 
the matter for the present must end, for were I to describe 
the species to any of those who prowl around with guns search- 
ing for “ specimens ” not a Meadow Pipit or Rock Pipit would 
escape the general massacre “rarities” provoke. A “new 
species ” had better remain unidentified, and may, as far as 
I am concerned in the matter, however valuable it might be. 
January 12 th, 1907. The weather and bird-life generally 
have for the nonce returned to the normal. To-day’s market 
was comparatively bird-less. Only on one stall was there 
evidence of anything unusual ; a haberdasher named Young 
(the hero of the Red-Crested Whistling Ducks) had suspended, 
amid stockings and underclothing, a large display of Coots, 
tied in couples, which he was selling — and freely too — at 
sixpence the brace. I found they were exceedingly plump 
and in good condition ; and he informed me that they seemed 
loth to leave the “ grass ” to go back to the now ice-free 
# Article on “The Water-Pipit (Ant/ius spipoletta) as a visitor to England,” 
by Michael J. Nicoll, E Z. S. , M.B. O. U. 
