82 NATUIIAL HISTORY [Birds. 



wards near the place of its nest ; at other times its cry is a 

 short shrill whisthng; when hastily sprung, a hoarse scream. 



Species 2. — The Jack-Snipe. 



Gid, Jack-Snipe, and Judcock, Wil.Om.QQl. Rail Syn. Av. 105. Scolopax 

 Gallinula, SAn.Sys. 224. Brit. Zool. 359. Brit. Zool. Illus. 71. 



I NEVER saw above a couple of specimens of the jack-snipe 

 in Orkney, nor do I think it a frequent bird. 

 . The size distinguishes it from the former, as does the flight, 

 which is shorter. But what points it out to every observer 

 is the rump, which is of a fine purple, with a cast of blue, 

 changeable in diflferent lights ; the bill is short, the half next 

 the head pale flesh-colour, the point black. 



It is found in marshy moors ; is difficult to spring, and after 

 fluttering a little about, claps into the nearest hole, or small 

 spring, and lies close. I dare say it builds with us in season, 

 as I have seen it in summer. 



Species 3. — The Godwif. 



Godwit, Yarvvhelp, or Yarwip, Wil. Orn. 290. Itaii Syn. Av. 105. Scolopax 

 iEgocephala, Li«. Sys. 246. Brit. Zool. 351. 



Tins bird I have very seldom observed in Orkney ; is en- 



