72 BAY-SNIPE SHOOTING 
young stool admirably. Thus flocks of old birds 
will frequently be seen wending their way towards 
the north, while the main flight is directed south- 
ward ; and these flocks will invariably come to the 
decoys, although the main body will take no notice 
of them. 
Of course when the meadows are too parched to 
furnish food, the birds cannot return on their tracks, 
but must continue their flight to more hospitable 
shores, and in this way one of the best chances for 
good shooting is lost. There are probably, in addi- 
tion, many ease-loving gluttons among the troupe, who 
if they find the feeding-grounds well supplied, stop 
for a time to enjoy the luxury after their long absti- 
nence in the inclement north ; and in passing to and 
from their favorite spots, are said by the native 
human species to have established “ a trade” to those 
places. These birds, of course, wherever they see a 
flock apparently partaking of a plentiful repast, na- 
turally pause to obtain their share, and thus fall a 
prey to their appetites. 
Bay-snipe fly during the day and night high up 
in the heavens, or close to the earth, in rain or shine, 
but especially during a cold north-easterly storm, 
which, from its direction, is favorable to their south- 
erly migrations ; and they have a vigor of wing that 
enables them to traverse immense distances in a 
short time. In proceeding with the wind, it is usu- 
ally at a considerable distance from the earth; but 
when facing an adverse current, they keep close to 
the surface, and consequently are apt to be attracted 
