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‘‘ blossoms of the common maple. On this almost 
“ flat bed the eges, usually three or four in number, 
‘‘ are placed; these are of a uniform greenish blue 
“colour, and of a size proportionable to that of 
“the bird. While the female is sitting the male is 
‘* generally not far distant, and gives the alarm by 
“ his notes when any person is approaching. The 
‘female sits so close that you may almost reach 
“her with your hand, and then precipitates her- 
“self to the ground, feigning lameness to draw 
‘‘ you away from the spot, fluttering, trailing her 
‘‘ winos, and tumbling over in the manner of the 
“ partridge, woodeock, and many cther species. 
“Their food consists for the most part of cater- 
“ pillars, particularly such as infest the apple 
“trees. They also occasionally eat various kinds 
“of berries. But from the circumstance of 
“ destroying such numbers of very noxious larve, 
‘‘ they prove themselves the friend of the farmer.” 
CURLEW, COMMON. 
NuUMENIUS ARQUATA, Temm. 
This bird is found in most parts of England. 
In summer it haunts the large heathy and boggy 
moors, feeding on worms, larvee, flies, &c. The 
rest of the year it resorts to the sea-shore, where 
it feeds on small crabs and marine insects. It is 
