2 2 A Book of the Snipe. 



bones) whose members rejoice in a two- 

 forked division of the tract of feathers runninof 

 along the spine, as distinguished from the 

 uninterrupted line of spinal feathering which 

 characterises other orders. Formidable stat- 

 istics, indeed, for species averaging some four 

 ounces of fat and feathers ! 



Their biggest connection is thus the mon- 

 strous Adjutant of the avine army of India, 

 a choleric officer who swallows legs of mutton 

 whole, and roars like Typhceus when enraged ; 

 their smallest relation is a member of their 

 own immediate circle, the tiny Jack -Snipe. 

 Unlike many other gentlemen of pedigree, 

 snipe are one and all monogamous. 



Of the score of species which compose the 

 sub-family, but four have ever been obtained 

 in Great Britain, viz. : — 

 (i) The Great or Double Snipe (Gallinago 



major). 

 (ii) The Common or Full-Snipe {G. gallin- 



aria). 

 (iii) The Jack-Snipe (G. gallimila). 

 (iv) The Red-Breasted Snipe (G. griscus). 



