as they were leaving the islands on their homeward journey, and a third near Daniel's Head by Lieuts. Denison and Hussey, R.E., early in February, 1875. A man of colour was seen by these two officers to fire at the last-named bird; but he stupidly let drive at it, with small shot too, at a hundred and twenty yards, instead of paddling much nearer to it, as he might have done. A wild Goose, weighing ten pounds when plucked, was shot in Southampton parish on the 7th January, 1875, and eaten forthwith by the fortunate gunner or his friends. This undoubtedly belonged to the present species, but cannot be definitely recorded.
Anas boschas, Mallard; Wild Duck.—A female was shot by an officer of the 56th Regiment at Warwick Pond on November 3rd, 1854. It was in company with some tame ducks, always taking wing the moment anyone approached the water (Nat. in B., p. 48). Four—a Mallard and three Ducks—were observed in the Great Sound by Lieut. Hussey, R.E., on the 23rd December, 1874.
Anas obscura, Dusky Duck; Black Duck.—Usually visits Bermuda in small numbers in the autumn, remaining till the end of January or even later. A flock of twenty frequented Harrington Sound and Peniston's Pond from Christmas, 1871, to February 15th, 1872 (J.M. Jones). Specimens were obtained by Lieut. Denison and myself in January, 1875, when there were a good many about. They are always very shy, and when disturbed frequently fly a long way out to sea.
Dafila acuta, Pintail.— Several specimens were obtained, all in immature plumage, in the winter of 1847–8. Mr. Bartram has a male in full plumage, shot by himself near St. George's. [A female Pintail was shot by Gibbs in Smith's Marsh on the 26th October, 1875,— H.D.]
Chaulelasmus streperus, Gadwall.—A female Gadwall was captured alive in December, 1849, and was in the possession of of Mr. Hurdis till May, 1851, associating with some tame ducks and laying several nests of eggs, none of which, however, proved fertile (Nat. in B., p. 47).
Mareca americana, American Wigeon.—After a revolving gale in October, 1854, several of these birds were shot, and brought for examination to Mr. Hurdis, who obtained one himself in the following month (Nat. in B., p. 49). Two were shot at Devonshire Bay by Corporal Alder, R.E., in October, 1874.
Querquedula carolinensis, Green-winged Teal.—This is an
