CHARADRIIFOKMES. 
study of the birds before consulting that work, and am glad to note there is 
much similarity, though the general systems followed differ. 
One of the most interesting problems in connection with bird-life is the 
geographical distribution of the fonns united in this Order ; thus while some 
forms of a genus are migratory others closely allied are sedentary. Moreover, 
migratory, when used in connection with these birds, means long-distance 
travelling. All the sedentary forms make sporadic movements according to the 
seasons, but the migratory forms breed towards and in the arctic regions, and 
wander southwards almost to the antarctic circle ; these migratory forms 
haunt the sea-shores in their southern range, though not restricted to such 
localities while breeding. Many genera and species associate together while 
“ wintering ” in the south ; these have different plumages during the breeding- 
season, and the researches of my collector, Mr. J. P. Rogers, lead to the fol- 
lowing conclusions : They arrive in Australia in flocks composed of individuals 
of the same species in winter-plumage, in poor condition ; these flocks break 
up, and varied gatherings of different species are met with during their stay 
in Australia. At the approach of their breeding-season they once more 
reassociate into flocks of one species, and take on their summer-plumage, often 
before they leave Australia. When they do this they are fat and in good 
condition. Those which from causes we do not understand do not get fat, 
remain in Australia in their winter-plumage during the breeding-season. 
Possibly these become fit in the succeeding season. 
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