828 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
Young birds are frequently shot, early in September 
upon these hills.” * The species appears now to be 
getting scarce even in its more favourite counties: 
this is probably owing to the unsuspicious disposi- 
tion of the bird, which allows of a very near approach 
without taking alarm ; consequently it is easily shot, 
and as some of its feathers are much sought after by 
fishing-tackle makers there is something to be made 
by shooting it. As Ihave often been asked what 
bird it is that is so intent on imitating the actions 
of its pursuers that it will let them get quite close to 
it whilst so engaged, I quote the following lines 
from Drayton’s ‘ Polyolbion,’ as they are applicable 
to the subject, and have been before quoted by 
Yarrell :— 
“ The Dotterel, which we think a very dainty dish, 
Whose taking makes such sport as no man more could 
wish, 
* J am able to mention a more recent occurrence of the 
Common Dotterel, for the Rev. Murray A. Mathew, writing 
to me from Weston-super-Mare on the 7th of May, 1869, 
says, “‘ Having received information that a strange bird had 
been shot on the Steep Holm, I went this morning to its 
possessor to ascertain what it was. I was told that the bird 
had been shot flying about in company with Swallows, and 
from the description given me of its plumage I felt very 
hopeful that it would prove to be a Collared Pratincole. 
However, it turned out to be only C. morinellus. Other 
Dotterel were seen near this place, but I have not heard 
that more than this single example were shot.” 
