APPENDIX. 
389 
where the shot-bags were lying. Gordon soon came back, grinning 
from ear to ear, and in a (j^iiarter of an hour more we were safe at 
the nearest inn tire. 
(iii.) A few Leaves from the Journal for 1863. 
Pallas’ Sand Grouse. 
1863. — Wednesday, Oct. 28. — Eain ; nearly calm. 
999. This afternoon I shot a pair of Mealy Eedpoles in the 
garden. At least I suppose that they are a pair, from the difference 
in their appearance, but I shall be able to examine them more care- 
fully very soon. 
1000. In the garden I saw the Eobin, which has been there for 
some days, and two Chaffinches. 
1001-2. Skinned the Eedshank which was shot on Friday 
(964). In the stomach I found some sand and a few small peri- 
winkles. The bird was a female. In skinning birds of this kind, 
it is often very difficult to manage the feathers of the back of the 
neck, which appear to have a great objection to lie smooth after the 
skin has been removed. I have discovered two causes for this : 
first, that the skin of the neck becomes stretched during the removal 
of the skin ; and secondly, that it is often stuffed too tightly. It 
is true that both these faults may occur in any kind of bird ; but 
it should be remembered that in Sandpipers the feathers are some- 
what short and scanty, and therefore caU for additional care in their 
management. 
1003. Examined and took down description of the Dunlin which 
was shot on Saturday (971). It was a male, and the stomach con- 
tained some sand and small stones. 
1004. There are still a great many Chaffinches remaining about 
the garden. 
1005. Blackbirds are still very abundant. Wliile sitting at the 
window this morning I counted twenty-three in sight at one time. 
1006. Crows are becoming very troublesome and bold, now that 
the beef-killing is going on. Two came to the house this morning, 
but I was only able to kill one of them. 
1007. I have seen a bird to-day which has puzzled me a great 
deal, and afforded no small cause for speculation. I was walking 
