50 
Coming to the order of Waders, we may pass the Moor-hen 
(Gallinula chloropus) and Coot ( Fulica atra) as sometimes seen. 
The Water Rail (Rallus aguaticus) has been shot once to my 
knowledge. The Common Snipe (G. celestis) and Jack Snipe 
( Scolopax gallinula) are commonly found in the autumn. Wood- 
cock (S. vusticula) are seen every winter. It is on Rockliffe Marsh 
that the Redshank ( Zotanus calidris ) is seen to the greatest advan- 
tage during the nesting season, and I have had ample opportunity 
of studying the breeding habits of this bird. In 1887, we found 
the first eggs on April r6th—rather later than usual. On the 24th 
we found them well started, but in no nest did we find a full clutch. 
From the number of unfinished nests to be found in close proximity 
to ones with eggs, I am of the opinion that two and sometimes 
three are started before the birds are satisfied with their position. 
The nest is placed in a tuft, and is composed of a few blades of 
grass carelessly arranged in a slight hollow. Four eggs are the 
usual number, although nests have been found containing five. 
While on the subject of eggs, I may be allowed to enter a protest 
against the way in which they are annually sold as Plovers’ eggs. 
Some hundreds are lifted every season, and I am told that some- 
times as much as twopence per egg is given. So great was the 
competition for them last season (1887), that it was with great 
difficulty I was able to get a bird in down. In the nesting season, 
should a person come within a quarter of a mile of its habitation, 
it is sure to greet him with clamorous cries, and advance towards 
him on wing, wheeling round and round, exhibiting great alarm 
lest he should discover its nest or young. Its flight is light, rapid, 
and wavering, as if undecided, being performed by quick jerks of 
the wing. Although the bird is very wary during the early stages 
of incubation, as the eggs get nearer hatching they sit a good deal 
closer ; indeed, so great has been the attachment of the bird for its 
eggs, that it has allowed me to lift it off its nest. The females are 
always a little larger than the males.* 
* In May, 1888, Mr. D. Mason captured on its nest a Redshank, which on 
dissection proved to be a male. It is thus ascertained that both sexes take part 
in the duties of nidification,—M. 
