VOL. VII.] SNIPE AND REDSHANK IN SUSSEX. 333 



In historic times the tidal wave flowed as far as 

 Newenden, and the Rother was navigable to Etch- 

 ingham. In those days the valley of the Rother and 

 the outlets of its smaller tributaries, such as the 

 Dudwell, must have been a paradise for marsh-loving 

 birds ; and as few birds show closer attachment to 

 their breeding-grounds than the Redshank, they 

 instinctively return to their primordial breeding-haunts 

 if sufficient protection be accorded them : there are 

 now some eight pairs nesting. As they do not arrive 

 till the end of March, and leave before the shooting- 

 season commences, they remain undisturbed during 

 their stay. 



