102 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
of black, and a little white; the lower parts are white, witlt 
dusky streaks. It is found in all the northern parts of Europe. 
Of the Sandpiper , properly so called, there are about 
twelve species known in Europe, from the size of a thrush 
to that of a hedge-sparrow. The common sandpiper is in 
weight about two ounces : the head is brown, streaked 
with black, the back and coverts brown, mixed with 
glossy green; the breast and belly pure white. Its note is 
louder and more piping than other's of this genus. The 
black , the green , the spoiled, the red , and the gambel sand- 
piper, are not very common in England. 
The genus includes forty species, foreign and domestic. 
Under the description of Plover about twenty-four- 
species are comprehended. 
The Golden, or Green Plover, is a well-known bird, and 
is found in small Hocks, in the winter-time, on all our 
moors, heaths, &c. It is remarkable for the whole of its 
plumage being elegantly variegated with a fine, yellowish- 
green. It may be enticed within gun-shot, by a skilful 
imitator of their voice, and is esteemed as a delicacy. It is 
eleven inches in length, and weighs nine ounces. 
The Long-legged Plover is a singular bird. Though in- 
ferior in size to the golden plover, it measures nearly a foot 
and a half when standing erect, on which account it has 
been called the red legged crane. The head, back, and 
wings arc glossy black, the rump and belly white. It is 
found in most quarters of the world, but is very uncommon 
in England. 
The Dotterel is about ten inches in length, and weighs 
four ounces. The bill is shorter than that of the majority 
of this genus, being only an inch long. The head is black, 
spotted with white, and a white stroke runs over each eye 
meeting behind. The upper parts of the plumage are 
greyish brown margined with a dull deep yellowf* The 
breast is a dull orange, and across it is a streak of white 
margined above with black. The colours of the female 
are less vivid. It is esteemed a very foolish bird; and was 
believed to mimic the actions of the fowler, to stretch out 
a wing when he stretched out an arm, &c. regardless of the 
net which was spreading for it. They appear in England 
in small (locks from April to September. 
The Stmderling is eight inches long, but weighs only an 
ounce and three quarters. The bill is very weal? and black, 
and an inch long. The head and neck are ash coloured 
streaked witii black, the wings and back brownish grey 
