in ornithology, a genus belonging to the order of gallinæ. The beak is cylindrical and blunt; the nostrils are linear, and the feet have three toes. There are 12 species, viz. 1. The hiaticula, or sea-lark of Ray, has a black breast, a white streak along the front; the top of the head is brown; and the legs and beak are reddish. It is found on the shores of Europe and America. 2. The alexandrinus, or oriental dotterel, is of a brownish colour, with the fore-head, collar, and belly white; the prime tail-feathers on both sides are white; and the legs are black. It is a native of Egypt, and is much valued for its singing. It is about the size of a crow, and lives upon mice, rats, &c. 3. The vociferus, or noisy plover of Catesby, has black streaks on the breast, neck, fore-head, and cheeks; and the feet are yellow. It is a native of North America. 4. The ægyptius, has a black streak on the breast, white eye-brows, the prime tail-feathers streaked with black at the points, and bluish legs. It is found in the plains of Egypt, and feeds on insects. 5. The moriellus has an iron coloured breast, a small white streak on the breast and eye-brows, and black legs. It is the dotterell of Ray, and a native of Europe. 6. The apricarius has a black belly; the body is brown, brown, and variegated with white and yellow spots; and the legs are ash coloured. It is the spotted plover of Edwards, and a native of Canada. 7. The pluvialis, is black above, with green spots, white underneath, and the feet are ash-coloured. It is the green plover of Ray, and is a native of Europe. 8. The torquatus, has a black breast, and a white front; the top of the head and the collar is black; and the beak and feet are bluish. It is a native of St Domingo. 9. The calidris, has black feet and a black bill; the rump is greyish; and the body is pure white below. It frequents the shores of Europe. 10. The edicenus, or stone curlew of Ray, is of a grey colour, with two of the prime wing-feathers black, but white in the middle; it has a sharp bill, and ash-coloured feet. It is a native of Britain. 11. The luinantopus, is white below, with a black back, and a long black bill; the feet are red and very long. It is the autumnal dotterell of English authors, and frequents the sea-shores of Europe. 12. Spinofus, armed dotterell, or lap wing, has a black breast, legs, and wings; it has a crest on the hinder part of the head. It is of the size of a pigeon; the French call it dominicanus, from the resemblance it has to the dress of a Dominican monk: It is a native of Egypt.