160 WADING BIRDS. 



flocks, so as either to fall in the principal path of the fowler, 

 or to present themselves in sufficient numbers for a success- 

 ful shot. Their flesh, however, is weU flavored, and they 

 are usually fat. 



In Massachusetts, the Solitary Tatler is only seen at the 

 commencement of cool weather. About the beginning of 

 September, they arrive in single pairs, apparently, from the 

 north, at which time also they are supposed to descend from 

 their breeding resorts in the mountains, and now frequent 

 the miry borders of tide-water streams and estuaries, as well 

 as small ponds, and, in short, any situation which aflbrds the 

 means of subsistence with little labor. They feed princi- 

 pally upon insects, such as small coleoptera, and cater- 

 pillars. 



A pair, but oftener a single individual, have usually fre- 

 quented, very familiarly, the small fish-pond in the Botanic 

 Garden in Cambridge. Attracted by the numerous Donor- 

 Has and their larvae, which feed upon the water lily (Nym- 

 jphcBa odorata,) I observed one of them tripping along upon 

 the sinking leaves with great agility, expanding its wings, 

 and gently flitting over the treacherous element in the man- 

 ner of the Rail. At another time, probably the same indi- 

 vidual, (who at first was accompanied by a mate,) was seen, 

 day after day, collecting insects, and contentedly resting in 

 the interval, on the border of the pond. The water having 

 been recently let ofl", the lily leaves and insects were cov- 

 ered with mud ; as soon then as our little familiar and clean- 

 ly visitor had swallowed a few of these insects, he washed 

 them down with a drink of the water, and at the same time 

 took the precaution to cleanse his bill and throat. Indeed 

 it is remarkable, that however dirty the employment of these 

 shore birds may be, so neat are they in all their habits, that 

 not a stain or a soil is allowed for a moment to remain upon 

 their limbs or plumage. This species is usually silent, ex- 



