SNIPE 255 



late October, a sudden change comes. From 

 almost ever}' bunch of reeds, a Snipe springs, and 

 in one little patch of bog-land, barely half an acre 

 in extent, they may be counted by dozens. As the 

 Snipe spring merrily from the rushes, one bird 

 rises which is plainly seen to be smaller than the 

 rest. His flight, too, is different, and he utters no 

 quick " scape-scape " of surprise at being disturbed. 

 Indeed, he rises quite silently, and flies lightly and 

 rather aimlessly for a little distance, when he 

 drops suddenly into the reeds again. He is a Jack, 

 who probably first saw the light in some sheltered 

 valley in Lapland. He is far less easily alarmed 

 than his larger congener, and as one walks through 

 the reeds, he will often rise and alight again many 

 times in succession. 



