4 SCOLOPACID^. 



length, very thick at the great end, and tapering suddenly to the other. The 

 young run about with wonderful speed as soon as they leave the shell, and are 

 then covered with down of a dull drab color, marked with a single streak of black 

 down the middle of the back, and with another behind each ear. They have a 

 weak, plaintive note. On the approach of any person the parents exhibit 

 symptoms of great distress, counterfeiting lameness, and fluttering along the 

 ground with seeming difficulty. On the appearance of a dog, this agitation is 

 greatly increased ; and it is very interesting to observe with what dexterity she 

 will lead him from her young, by throwing herself repeatedly before him, 

 fluttering off, and keeping just without his reach, on a contrary direction from 

 her helpless brood. My venerable friend, Mr. William Bartram, informs me, that 

 he saw one of these birds defend her young for a considerable time from the 

 repeated attacks of a ground squirrel. The scene of action was on the river shore. 

 The parent had thrown herself, with her two young behind her, between 

 them and the land ; and at every attempt of the squirrel to seize them by a 

 circuitous sweep, raised both her wings in an almost perpendicular position, 

 assuming the most formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed forwards 

 on the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness and manner, instantly retreated ; 

 but presently returning, was met, as before, in front and on flank by the daring 

 and affectionate bird, who with her wings and whole plumage bristling up, 

 seemed swelled to twice her usual size. The young crowded together behind her, 

 apparently sensible of their perilous situation, moving backwards and forwards as 

 she advanced or retreated. This interesting scene lasted for at least ten minutes ; 

 the strength of the poor parent began evidently to flag, and the attacks of the 

 squirrel became more daring and frequent, when my good friend, like one of those 

 celestial agents who in Homer's time so often decided the palm of victory, 

 stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assailant back to his hole, and 

 rescued the innocent from destruction." 



