66 THE RE-APPEARANCE OF PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE.
records of the 1888 irruption of this interesting bird more complete.
As Dr. Meyer observes, "Two years later not one bird of those that
immigrated in 1863 appears to have been observed again here; they
may have died, or been cruelly killed, or may have returned to their
native steppes. No special notice having been taken of their move-
ments, we did not learn the reason of that uncommon migration, nor
the rapidity of their wandering, nor whether they returned to Asia or
not. The reappearance of the Sand Grouse in large flocks, con-
sisting apparently of innumerable individuals, now gives us the
opportunity of watching their movements in detail, and this should
be done everywhere." But we hope that the "observations" will not
take the form of "brutal and unnecessary slaughter," to use Prof.
Newton's forcible words, and that our members, at least, will agree
with, and act upon, the sensible remarks of Mr. Harting in his notes
in the "Zoologist," alluded to above : "It is perhaps too much to
expect that people will refrain altogether from shooting at these
distinguished Asiatic visitors, but I would strongly urge upon those
who may meet with any flocks not to take too great a toll of them,
but to give some pairs at least a chance of nesting here during the
present breeding season, as there is every reason to believe they
might do if allowed to remain unmolested in suitable localities."
This is also Prof. Newton's opinion. He states ("Nature," May
31st, 1888) that "there is no reason why it should not, if unmolested,
breed this year in many parts of Britain. The visitations of 1872
and 1876 were of insignificant proportions, but that of the present
year would seem to be of considerable magnitude; and sanguine
hopes might be entertained as to the result if the malign influence of
the 'collector' could be neutralized or withstood."3 Prof. Lutken,
Director of the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen, has addressed a
strong appeal to the country people in Denmark to protect the Sand
Grouse. He points out that the only countries in which the bird
nested in 1863 were Denmark and Holland, but that owing to people
gathering and eating the eggs, no birds were hatched. He trusts
that this wanton conduct may not now be repeated. Prof. Lutken
feels sure that the bird can be acclimatized in Denmark, as the sandy
cliffs and shores of that country are particularly suited for its breeding.
3 Prof. Newton has since reported (" Field," June 13th) that "three eggs which agree in
all respects with authentic examples of those of Pallas's Sand Grouse have been shown to me.
They are stated (and I have no reason to doubt the assertion) to have been taken in this country
on May 20th, and every true ornithologist will regret that they were not left to hatch." In the
"Essex Standard" for June 30th, it is reported that eggs have been found by some fishermen at
Mersea and near Pyfleet, Essex —Ed.