MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS : GRAY SNIPE. 201 



body they skim away, then circle back, approaching 

 again the fatal spot with a low, wayward, gliding motion, 

 and often re-alight in the midst of their dead or disabled 

 companions. No birds fly more compactly, or group 

 together more closely in alighting ; it seems as if the 

 timid creatures, aware of their defenceless condition, 

 sought safety, or at least reassurance, in each other's 

 company. Thus it happens that a whole flock may be 

 secured by successive discharges, if the gunner will 

 seize the time when they stand motionless, in mute 

 alarm, closely huddled together. In a little while, 

 however, if no new appearance disturbs them, they 

 cast off fear and move about separately, resuming their 

 busy probing for the various water-bugs, leeches, worms, 

 and soft molluscs, which form their food, as well as the 

 seeds of various aquatic plants. When in good order, 

 they are excellent eating. 



Being partly web-footed, this Snipe swims tolerably 

 well for a little distance in case of emergency, as when 

 it may get for a moment beyond its depth in wading 

 about, or when it may fall, broken-winged, on the water. 

 On such an occasion as this last, I have seen one swim 

 bravely for twenty or thirty yards, with a curious bob- 

 bing motion of the head and corresponding jerking of 

 the tail, to a hiding-place in the rank grass across the 

 pool. When thus hidden they keep perfectly still, and 

 may be picked up without resistance, except a weak 

 flutter, and perhaps a low, pleading cry for pity on their 

 pain and helplessness. When feeding at their ease, 

 in consciousness of peace and security, few birds are 

 of more pleasing appearance. Their movements are 

 graceful and their attitudes often beautifully statuesque. 



