a 
442 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 
These usually lie at a short depth below the surface; but, in some 
places, are seen at low water in heaps, like masses of wet grain, in 
quantities of more than a bushel together. During the latter part 
of summer and autumn, these minute shell-fish constitute the food 
of almost all those busy flocks that run with such activity along the 
sands, among the flowing and retreating waves. They are univer- 
sally swallowed whole; but the action of the bird’s stomach, 
assisted by the shells themselves, soon reduces them to a pulp. If 
we may judge from their effects, they must be extremely nutritious ; 
for almost all those tribes that feed on them are at this season mere 
lumps of fat. Digging for these in the hard sand would be a work 
of considerable labor ; whereas, when the particles are loosened by 
the flowing of the sea, the birds collect them with great ease and 
dexterity. It is amusing to observe with what adroitness they fol- 
low and elude the tumbling surf, while, at the same time, they seem 
wholly intent on collecting their food. 
“The Ash-colored Sandpiper, the subject of our present account, 
inhabits both Europe and America. It has been seen in great 
numbers on the Seal Islands, near Chatteaux Bay; is said to con- 
tinue the whole summer in Hudson’s Bay, and breeds there. Mr. 
Pennant suspects that it also breeds in Denmark, and says that 
they appear in vast flocks on the Flintshire shore during the winter 
season. With us they are also migratory, being only seen in 
spring and autumn. They are plump birds; and, by those accus- 
tomed to the sedgy taste of this tribe, are esteemed excellent 
eating.” 
ARQUATELLA, Barrp. 
TRINGA MARITIMA, — Brunnich. 
The Purple Sandpiper. 
Tringa maritima, Brunnich. Orn. Bor. (1764), 54. Nutt. Man., II. 115. Aud. 
Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 558. Jb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 261. 
DESCRIPTION. 
Bill rather longer than the head, straight, compressed; nasal groove long; wings 
long; tail short, rounded; legs moderate; toes free at base, flattened underneath and 
slightly margined; hind toe small; entire head and upper parts dark smoky-brown, 
