KNOT, OR ASH-COLORED SANDPIPER. 129 



oval rufous spots on the scapulars, are very pale. Middle of the 

 belly, and sometimes the breast varied with white feathers, which 

 are spotted with brown. More cinereous feathers on the upper parts, 

 and more w^hite feathers upon the lower parts ; the whole regulated 

 by the epoch of the moult. — Calidris, Briss. Orn v. p. 226. T, 

 noEvia, et australis, Gmel, Lath. Dusky, Speckled, and Southern 

 Sandpiper, of Latham. 



Obs. In this singular retrenchment of species, made by modern 

 authors, I make little doubt but that several kinds of Knots are blend- 

 ed together. I have lately seen in the portfolio of Mr. Audubon, a 

 drawing of a greij Knot, in which the dossal feathers are without 

 crescents, and the bill and legs are of a lively sap green, ^^c. 



Subgenus. — Machetes. (Cuvier.) 



With the outer and middle toe united by a membrane as far as 

 the first joint. The males provided with peculiar ornaments during 

 the continuance of the breeding season, 



