[186] Apparently referring to the Redpoll, Acanthis linaria (Linn.), which is, of course, not closely related to the Lapland longspur.
[187] Hearne apparently refers to the Shore Lark, Otocoris alpestris hoyti Bishop, which breeds abundantly on the small barrens along the west coast of Hudson Bay as well as on the main area of the Barren Grounds.
[188] Penthestes hudsonicus; first described by Forster from specimens taken at Severn River, Hudson Bay. It inhabits the region north to the limit of trees.
[189] This account of the nesting habits seems to refer to the Barn Swallow, Hirundo erythrogastra (Bodd). I am not aware that this bird now nests at Fort Churchill, though it is not unlikely that it did so formerly. The cliffs in the vicinity would afford ideal natural nesting sites.
[190] Here Hearne undoubtedly refers to the Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia (Linn.), which inhabits the region in myriads. As it nests only in banks of clay or sand its local abundance is dependent on their presence. The eggs are unspotted.
[191] Grus americana (Linn.). Though specimens from Hudson Bay figured in the original description of this magnificent species, it was rare even in Hearne's time, and is now probably extirpated in that region.
[192] The Brown Crane (Grus canadensis), was described by Linnæus from Hudson Bay specimens, and is still rather common on its marshy plains, and on the Barren Grounds.
[193] The American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu), is fairly common in the marshes about Hudson Bay north to the vicinity of York Factory.
[194] The Esquimaux Curlew of Pennant ("Arct. Zool.," ii. p. 461, 1785) is really the Hudsonian Curlew, Numenius hudsonicus (Latham), and Hearne of course follows Pennant in this error. It is still a common species on the west coast of Hudson Bay. The smaller one, which is the real Eskimo Curlew, Numenius borealis (Forster), was formerly very abundant, but is now, unhappily, nearly or quite extinct.
[195] Apparently the common Snipe, Gallinago delicata (Ord.).