200 SCOLOPACID^ : SNIPE, ETC. 



suffice for their positive identification. The following 

 measurements indicate the size and shape: 1.75 by 1.15 

 (unusually long, narrow, and pointed) ; 1.70 by 1.15 ; 1.62 

 by 1. 12 (about an average); 1.68 by i.io; 1.55 by i.io 

 (very short). The ground-color is the same as in Gallina- 

 go, with all its variation, while the general character of the 

 markings is identical, even to the occasional occurrence 

 of sharp, black tracery over the ordinary spots and 

 blotches. One of the eggs has the markings rather 

 chocolate than umber-brown, and much smaller and 

 more diffuse than they are in any .of the examples of 

 Gallinago which happen to be before me. The Red- 

 breasted Snipe is a gentle and unsuspicious creature by 

 nature, most sociably disposed to its own kind, as well 

 as toward its relatives among the Ducks and waders. 

 In the western regions, where they are not often mo- 

 lested, no birds are more confiding, though none more 

 timid. They gather in such close flocks, moreover, 

 that the most cruel slaughter may be effected with ease 

 by one intent only on filling his bag. As we approach 

 a pool we see numbers of the gentle birds wandering 

 along the margin, or wading up to the belly in the 

 shallow parts, probing here and there as they advance, 

 sticking the bill perpendicularly into the mud to its full 

 length with a quick, dexterous movement, and some- 

 times even submerging the whole head for a second 

 or two. All the while they chat with each other in 

 a low, pleasing tone, entirely oblivious of our dangerous 

 proximity. With the explosion that too often happens, 

 the next moment some stretch dead or dying along the 

 strand, others limp or flutter with broken legs or wings, 

 while the survivors, with a startled wect, take wing. 

 Not, however, to fly to a place of safety ; in a compact 



