366 
APPENDIX.-F. 
for individual differences, as well as for the distinctions of sex and 
age. If my memory does not fail me, I have measured females 
as low as 16 inches in length, and 21 in extent of wing, and from 
that, of several intermediate sizes, up to those given above, which 
are, as stated, of a large adult male. 
One thing is certain, that if not a new and nondescript, it is at 
least a very rare and generally unknown, species. In either case 
I cannot doubt that this little notice of it will not be unaccepta¬ 
ble, either to the sportsman or the man of science. 
I put it forward in no vainglorious spirit, nor in any wise 
claiming merit as a discovery. Should it prove to be a bird pre¬ 
viously known and described, I shall gladly and gratefully ac¬ 
knowledge the information. On the other hand, should it turn 
out to be a new species, while rejoicing—as who would not ?—at 
contributing my mite to the science of natural history, I shall be 
the first to acknowledge that my fortune is to be thanked for it, 
and not my merits. 
I will own that I lean to the opinion that it is a new far north¬ 
ern species, and that its southern winter limits, perhaps gradu¬ 
ally becoming more southerly, are the lakes of Canada. Many 
animals are constantly altering their limits with the alterations of 
seasons ; and why not this ? . 
If it prove to be so, I would, with all humility, suggest as a 
name for it, w Lake Huron Scoter,” from its affinities and haunts; 
u Canard d'Hioer” from its season ; and u fuligula bimaculata ,” 
from the peculiar spots on the head. It may well be, however, 
that it has either been already established in the Fauna of North 
America, or that, not being known to this country or region, it 
may be elsewhere an old acquaintance ; and in that case I shall 
feel greatly indebted to any person who, seeing this notice, and 
being better informed than myself, will be so courteous and so 
kind as to apprize me what manner of bird it is, and where one 
may learn what is to be learned concerning it. 
