meadows, or even the open moor-land. Fears are often
expressed in the newspapers and elsewhere as to the
probable extinction of this species by the high prices
that its eggs will always command in our markets; but
I imagine that most owners of land upon which any
considerable number of Peewits breed have found out
that by taking the eggs on a regular system, always
allowing the birds to sit and rear one brood of young,
an occasional “ jubilee” and protection of the birds
themselves, they can always make sure of a profitable
egg-harvest without any detriment to the stock. Though
very bold and fearless of man during the breeding-
season, the Peewit at other times is a wary bird, and
certainly runs little risk of extinction by fair means. In
certain parts of England this bird may be fairly considered
as a vernal visitor, arriving in March and taking
its departure in October; but, taking our islands under
consideration “ en bloc,” it is perhaps best described as
a partial migrant that may be found in certain places at
all times of year, and there is no doubt that we are
occasionally visited by large flocks of Peewits from the
continent. There is a story that many Rook’s eggs are
sold as those of this species in our markets; but I can
hardly believe that many of our country-people would
risk their necks or limbs in climbing to obtain eggs
the sale of which must at all events be very uncertain,
especially when the genuine articles may be had for the
finding and picking up, and, although no doubt Rook’s
eggs may be very palatable, I must say that I consider
that any one ignorant enough to purchase them as
“ Plover’s eggs” fully deserves to be “ sold" himself.