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mouth from the fragments of the hard wing-cases of the beetles on which it 
feeds. 
The Nightjar makes no nest, but lays its two eggs in a mere hollow in the 
ground, with perhaps a few oak leaves in it, generally on a heath ora ride in 
a wood. ‘The two eggs are laid about the second week in July. 
It is tolerably abundant about Gosforth. I have seen them 
rise from amongst the brackens on Buckbarrow, and in Blengdale, 
as well as on Hallsenna Moor, and near Newton Manor. For the 
last three seasons I have had eggs brought to me from the last two 
places. It is not often shot, owing to its lying so close throughout 
the day, which makes it seem rarer than it really is. They deserve 
to be encouraged, as they do much good by destroying cockchafers, 
etc. They are exceedingly difficult birds to stuff, the skin being 
as soft as silk, and tearing at the least touch. 
The fourth great order of birds are the WADERs, which are 
characterized by their long legs and the want of feathers on the 
lower part of the thighs, which enables them to wade to some 
depth without wetting their plumage. Such as have strong bills 
feed on fish and reptiles ; those in which it is feeble, on worms 
and insects. 
I have here a typical specimen of the wading bird, and also a 
beautiful and rare one, viz.— 
THE BITTERN. 
The provincial names of the Bittern are most extraordinary—-Mire Drum, 
Butterbump, Bog-bumper, Bog-jumper, Bog-blutter, Bittour Bumpy-coss, Bull 
of the Bog, are some of them. It was formerly very plentiful in Britain, and 
was much valued as a game bird for Falconry ; but it has now become very 
rare. They are generally found in marshy places, and are nocturnal in their 
habits. During the day they conceal themselves amongst the rushes and flags 
of the marsh, lying close with the head bent back upon the shoulders; and they 
will frequently allow themselves almost to be trodden upon before taking flight. 
More than one pair are seldom to be seen in one swamp, unless it is a very 
large one. When attacked they defend themselves with great courage, facing the 
danger with half-open wings and holding the beak ready for a stab, while the 
loose plumage of the neck is raised and the head feathers erected so as to form 
a perfectly circular crest. It nearly always aims for the eyes of its opponent. 
