BAY-SNIPE SHOOTING. 197 



rably, and is killed in immense numbers. Its fliglit 

 is rapid and irregular, especially when it is fright- 

 ened; and, as food, it ranks with the yelper. 



The brant-bird is a beautiful bird, and stools well ; 

 it rarely consorts in large flocks, and is quite accept- 

 able on the table. 



The robin-snipe is a graceful, beautiful, and deli- 

 cious bird; its favorite localities are the meadow- 

 islands of the salt bays and lagoons; its flight is 

 steady, and it does not collect in such immense flocks 

 as the last named variety. Its wdiistle consists of 

 two clear shrill notes, by which it is readily attracted ; 

 and its predominant colors are grey on the back and 

 red on the breast. 



The dowitcher, which is considered ornithologi- 

 cally as the only true snipe of them all, has the 

 habits of the sandpiper and the distinctive attributes 

 of the scolopax ; it is abundant, extremely gentle, 

 and excellent eating. It stools admirably, coming 

 to any whistle whatever ; and although it can skiver 

 when alarmed, it usually flies steadily. It associates 

 with the smaller birds. 



The kricker feeds on the meadows, remains till 

 late in October, becomes extremely fat, and is an 

 epicurean delicacy ; it utters a creaking cry, but will 

 not stool at all. It also flies with the smaller snipe. 



Having thus mentioned the peculiar ..distinctive 

 qualities and characteristics of each bird, of which a 

 fuller description will be given in another place, we 

 wdll nowi^ass to a consideration of the best mode of 

 their pursuit. This being by stratagem, the more 



