THE JERSEY COAST. 107 
gish darkness the rays of light penetrated slowly, 
bringing out feature after feature of the landscape, 
lighting the tops of distant hills, and revealing the 
fleecy coursers of the sky. 
Amid the fading darkness we soon heard the 
welcome cry of the bay-snipe pursuing his course, 
guided by light that had not yet reached our portion 
of the earth’s surface. Instantly we responded with 
a vigor and rapidity on behalf of each, that must 
have impressed the travelling birds with the belief 
that we constituted an immense flock. Again and 
again, long before our straining eyes could catch 
the outline of their forms, came the answering cry. 
Our eagerness increased with the approaching sound, 
until from out the dim air rushed a glorious flock of 
marbled willet, and swooping down to our stools 
dropped their long legs to alight—we feeling as 
though little shining goddesses were descending 
upon us. 
Without pausing to discuss their angelic character, 
but mercilessly bringing our double-barrels to bear 
upon the crowded ranks, we poured in a destructive 
broadside that hurled a dozen upon the bloodied 
sand. Startled at the fearful report and its terrible 
consequences, they rose, darting and crossing in 
their alarm, and fled at full speed ; but hearing again 
the familiar call, after flying a few hundred yards, 
they turned and came once more straight for the 
decoys. Then my friend thought highly of me and 
my breech-loading gun, for ere he had reloaded I 
had discharged my two barrels three times, adding 
