188 MACHETES PUGNAX. 
with his courtship than with his duties asa husband. Whilst the 
Reeves are sitting on their eggs, scattered about the swamps, he is to 
be seen far away flitting about in flocks, and on the ground dancing 
and sparring with his companions. Before they are confined to their 
nests it is wonderful with what devotion they are attended by their 
gay followers, who seem to be each trying to be more attentive than 
the rest. Nothing can be more expressive of humility and ardent 
love than some of the actions of the Ruff. He throws himself 
prostrate on the ground with every feather on his body standing up 
and quivering, but he seems as he if were afraid of coming too near 
his mistress. If she flies off he starts up in an instant to arrive 
before her at the next place of alighting, and all his actions are full 
of life and spirit. But none of this spirit is expended in care for 
his family. He never comes to see after an enemy. Inthe marshes 
a Reeve now and then flies near with a scarcely audible ku-ku-kuk, 
but she seems a dull bird, and makes no noisy attack on an invader. 
She sits pretty close, and the eggs are found by walking her up. 
They are generally amongst dry grass in low-lying places ; very little 
nest: one that I came across was in a small islet in a lake [¢ 3881]. 
The eggs are hatched up here about midsummer or a few days after. 
§ 3884. Zwo.—Salmojarvi, 1855. 
Matthias Adolph sent them, as Suokulainen. 
§ 3885. Four.—Salmojarvi, 1855. 
Apparently Reeve’s, but brought for Mustatiutti [Black Red- 
shank] by Fridrik. 
§ 3886. Four.—Fora, Gland, 6 June, 1856. 
No doubt Reeve’s, of which there were dozens about, and I saw 
one very near this nest. 
§ 3887. Four.—Ormoga, (Eland, 6 June, 1856. 
Found by Mr. Simpson [ Hudleston] in my company. I telescoped 
the bird and took the eggs. 
