SNIPES, ETC. 65 



another station, as if the flock were playing a 

 wild game of " follow your leader." A few days 

 at this time is all we see them. 



The Woodcock is common in Prince Edward 

 Island. It arrives early in May and makes its 

 chief resort along the wet meadows that border 

 streams, though at times it frequents any rich 

 open wood. Its long bill is intended to aid it 

 in exploring wet ground for worms and grubs, 

 and we have seen a little patch of wet marsh by 

 a creek quite studded with these bunchy brown 

 birds driving their long bills everyw^here into the 

 richly stocked ooze. I'hen, what a whir of wings 

 there was when they observed the intruder ! It 

 is the choice game bird of this family, and 

 most pursued by sportsmen. 



The American Snipe, nearly as large, but 

 much less fat and clumsy than the Woodcock, 

 is a graceful wanderer about our sea - shores and 

 stream borders. I have not seen it in flocks, 

 but a solitary Jack Snipe may meet you in any 

 sea- side excursion in late autumn. 



