THE OYSTER-CATCHER. 
127 
opercula of large whelks ; about twenty-five animals of well-sized 
Limpets [Patella vulgaris) ; in addition to which was a holothuria 
[Cucumaria). In others^ not particularly noted down^ I have 
found the fiesh of the mussel ; but univalve shell-fish, and more 
particularly the whelk, are certainly their chief food in Belfast 
bay. In no instance have I found any particles of shell, which 
aftbrds the negative evidence that the animals were all extracted 
from, their habitations by the bird, whose peculiarly formed bill is 
admirably suited to such a purpose ; i. e. for picking wilh I ” 
On the same bank with the mussels [Mytilus edzdis), univalves are 
also found. Wilson, in his very interesting account of the nearly 
allied Hcematopus palliatus (the representative of our species on 
the shores of the United States), mentions his having remarked 
numerous borings made by the bill of the bird in the sand. 
Eemembering this, 1 on one occasion, after observing several 
oyster-catchers feeding for some time on the sands at Ballyholme 
bay, went to the spot to examine if any excavations of the kind 
were visible ; but none appeared. A few of the fresh double valves 
of Venus virginea were lying about, and it was believed that the 
birds had been preying on the once contained animals, as these 
had disappeared. 
Although the oyster -catcher is known to be able to dive well, 
it may be mentioned that an intelligent shooter of my acquaint- 
ance has witnessed its remaining as long under water as one of 
the diving ducks [Fuligulce). He has seen one for about half an 
hour dive repeatedly — whenever approached — until disabled by 
the blow of an oar. A singular instance of the tenacity of 
life (if it may so be termed) of one of these birds occurred in the 
shop of Mr. Mchol, bird preserver, &c. at Belfast, in Beb. 1849. 
A man brought a wounded one to be stuffed ; but was told that 
it must first be put out of pain. To accomplish this object, he 
pressed the breast-bone towards the back with his hand until the 
bird apparently ceased to breathe, and then leaving it on the 
counter, a corpse, as he thought, took his departure. It soon, 
however, exhibited symptoms of life, and made its way from the 
counter to the ground. Within a very few hours it partook of 
