THE JERSEY COAST. up ip 
Island, it is common, where it is known by the name 
of “gray,” “ grass,” “ field,” or “upland ” plover. It 
is very wary, and difficult to be approached. On the 
ground it has an erect and graceful gait. When 
alarmed it runs rapidly for a short distance before 
taking wing, uttering a whistling note as it rises; 
its flight is rapid, frequently going out of sight 
before alighting. It usually keeps on the open, dry 
grounds—feeding on grasshoppers, insects, and seeds. 
In the month of August it is generally in fine condi- 
tion, and highly prized as game. When feeding, 
for greater security, this species scatter about; the 
instant the alarm is given, all move off. In the lat- 
ter part of August it migrates southward, and, it is 
said, performs the journey at night. Stragglers fre- 
quently remain behind until late in September.’ ” 
“It is evident he knew the bird,” replied one of 
the objectors; “but as he calls it by six or seven 
names—the English ones being both sand-piper and 
tatler—he evidently did not know what it should 
be called.” 
“That is the way with naturalists,” replied another; 
‘“‘they each give a name to a species, but in this case 
all agree that it is not a plover. What is the name 
plover derived from ? ” 
“It comes from the French word Pluwwvier, rain- 
bird, because it generally flies during a rain. But 
naturalists found distinctions more upon the shape 
of bill and claws than on the habits of any species. 
According to them, plovers proper have no hind toe, 
or, at most, only a knob in its place.” 
