270 HISTORY OF THE 



scapulars and outer interscapulars coospiouously tipped externally with white, 

 the breast, etc., more distinctly buff, and ratlier more narrowly streaked." 



stretch of 

 Length. ^uing: IVi'ng. Tail. Tarsus. Bill. 



Male 9.00 16.75 5.40 2.40 1.00 1.10 



Female... 8.50 16.00 5.10 2.30 1.00 1.05 



Iris brown; bill brown, greenish at base; legs and feet green- 

 ish yellow; claws dark brown. 



This species inhabits low, wet lands, muddy flats and the edges 

 of shallow pools of water, seldom frequenting sandy shores. 

 These birds move in flocks, but, while feeding, scatter as they 

 move about, picking and probing here and there for their food, 

 which consists of worms, insects, larvse, minute shellfish, and 

 occasionally tender rootlets and buds; but at the report of a gun, 

 or any sudden fright, spring into the air, utter a low whistling 

 note, quickly bunch together, flying swift and strong, usually in 

 a zigzag manner, and when not much hunted often circle and 

 drop back within shot; for they are not naturally a suspicious 

 or timid bird, and when quietly and slowly approached, occa- 

 sionally — like the Knot^ — try to hide by squatting close to the 

 ground. It is only of late that we have had any authentic 

 accounts of their breeding habits, and it therefore gives me great 

 pleasure to present Mr. Nelson's interesting description of the 

 same, as published in his report upon "Natural History Collec- 

 tions in Alaska," viz. : 



"The last of May, 1879, I pitched my tent on a lonely island 

 in the Yukon delta, and passed several weeks in almost contin- 

 ual physical discomfort, owing to the cold rain and snow storms 

 which prevailed. However, I look back with pleasure upon 

 the time passed here among the various water fowl, when every 

 day contributed new and strange experiences. 



"The night of May 24th, I lay wrapped in my blanket, and 

 from the raised flap of the tent looked out over as dreary a 

 cloud-covered landscape as can be imagined. The silence was 

 unbroken save by the tinkling and clinking of the disintegrat- 

 ing ice in the river, and at intervals by the wild notes of some 

 restless Loon, which arose in a hoarse, reverbrating cry and died 

 away in a strange, gurgling sound. As my eyelids began to 

 droop and the scene to become indistinct, suddenly a low, hoi- 



