8 SCOLOPACID^. 



loggy places scattered over this area. It was under the overhanging grass of one 

 of these tussocks, about two yards from the edge of a pool, that I found the 

 Godwit's nest. I have no distinct recollection of the formation of the nest, or, 

 rather, spot on which the eggs rested, so I will not attempt a description. There 

 were two eggs, but being then of a more sentimental turn of mind than now, and 

 having no idea what I had found, I just took one egg, lest I should hurt the 

 feelings of the old bird. I came upon the eggs by accident, while looking for 

 those of Kedshanks, numbers of which birds still breed there. It was in the 

 year 1885, and, I believe, the month of June. I have a dim recollection of 

 standing with the egg in my hand, staring at a strange bird wheeling high in the 

 air, uttering a peculiar cry, with which I was unfamiliar. It may or may not 

 have been the old bird. Horses and sheep now graze on these marshes, which 

 are never in the highest tides entirely submerged. Except that there are now 

 more drains and fewer boggy ^jZaces, the character of these marshes has not, I 

 think, altered to any very obvious extent." 



From the foregoing graphic account it will be seen how admirably this 

 Lincolnshire marsh was suited to the nesting requirements of this species. The 

 egg is stUl in Mr. liamerton's possession, and Mr. Hewetson, who has seen it, 

 informs me that it is unquestionably that of a Black-tailed Godwit. 



