482 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
of being somewhat constrained in attitude. Distributed throughout Europe ; also 
found in North Africa, and a great part of Asia. Very common with us. “ In 
September and October,” observes Mr. Selby, “ after their autumnal or general 
moult, the renewed plumage differs considerably from that laid aside, the green 
of the upper parts being of a much brighter tint, and the whole of the under parts 
more deeply tinged with yellow.” 
Blacktailed Gannet, Sula melanura , Temm. —A splendid figure, three- 
fourths of the natural size. This bird agrees in every respect with the Solan 
Gannet, except in having a black tail, which is white in the adult of the latter 
species. The specimen figured was killed in Iceland, and lent to our author by 
M. Temminck, who believes it to be a true species. Mr. Gould expresses some 
doubts on the matter; but as the specimen obtained in Iceland is unquestionably 
fully adult, we feel assured it is distinct from S. alba. 
Jack Snipe, Scolopax gallinula ,—Becassine sourde, Fr .—Beccacino minore, 
It .—Moor Schnepfe, G .—Very fair representations of two birds, living size. 
Distributed throughout the marshy districts of England and the continent. Its 
habits are sufficiently familiar to many of our readers. We must therefore pass 
on to make way for the— 
Mutable Lark,* Alauda Tartarica ,—Alouette negre, Fr .—The upper figure 
is one of great beauty. Inhabits the high northern regions of the old Continent, 
being dispersed over the whole of Siberia, Northern Russia, Lapland, &c. It 
spreads, in autumn, over the provinces of European Russia, where it sojourns in 
small flocks. In winter the plumage is much thicker and o a considerably 
lighter hue than in summer. The female is rather smaller than the male. It is 
no difficult matter to perceive that this species is out of place among the Larks. 
Camp sail Park , Aug. 1, 1838. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
General Remarks on “The Naturalist” and on Natural History. 
To the Editor of the Naturalist. 
Dear Sir, —Your very friendly notice of my last communication (p. 377) has 
been the means of bringing a little more trouble upon you in the shape of a few 
further remarks on one or two more of my pet subjects. Should any part of the 
present letter be acceptable for some future number of your Journal, pray make 
This is the name employed in the iate Dr. Latham's General Synopsis. 
