33<> GRALLATORES, OR WADING BIRDS. 



colour ; these are deposited in tlie bottom of a hole dug in the 

 sand on the shore. The young ones are very precocious, for 

 even on leaving the shell they run about with their parents to 

 seek their sustenance. 



The only species of this genus, the Einged Turnstone, Strepsila 

 interpres (Fig. 126), is a bird of passage in France and England. 

 Its flesh is not without relish, but by no means equal to that of 

 the Plover. 



The Ruff {Machetes pugnax, Temminck) commends itself to 

 the attention of the observer by the sudden metamorphosis which 

 seems to revolutionise its entire nature, in the early days of 

 May, at the first dawning of that charming month when all 

 nature appears to expand and array itself in every kind of 

 splendour, the better to render homage to the Creator. At this 

 season the plumage of the Ruff, which has hitherto been grave and 

 almost sombre, undergoes a most brilliant transformation. It 

 would strike the observer as if the agitation of love had the 

 effect of totally changing its plumage from one altogether devoid 

 of display to the most brilliant costume imaginable, for its neck 

 is now wreathed with a glittering collar, which extends by degrees 

 over shoulders and breast. On the top of its head, to the right 

 and left, two graceful plumes come forth, which vastly improve 

 its looks, and contribute in no small degree to the impres- 

 siveness of its demeanour. Brilliant hues of yellow, white, 

 and black, arranged in a hundred ever-varying shades, com- 

 bine to improve their plumage, making them most attractive to 

 look at. 



This physical transformation produces a change in the temper 

 of the bird. Puffed up with pride, and elated at his own personal 

 magnificence, our hero suddenly finds himself subject to the most 

 warlike feelings. 



But what is this object which catches his sight ? It is another 

 Puff — a rival. "Without hesitation he rushes immediately to meet 

 the stranger, who, nothing loath, charges in return at the top of his 

 speed. With stretched-out beak and crest erect, the two adversaries 

 impetuously close. A furious duel takes place, carried on in the sight 

 of the feebler sex, who pass their opinion on the blows which are 

 given and I'eceivcd, praise or blame them, and, by a crj' at judicious 



