90 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



Wareham, October u, 1880 (Mr. Oliver Farrer), one 

 at Worgret Farm (Mr. H. Garland), and one near 

 Wool, October 12, 1885 (Mr. Eustace Radclyffe). 



COMMON SXIPE. Gallinago ccelestis (Frenzel). 



Yarrell, iii. p. 342; Dresser, vii. p. 641; Ibis List, p. 166; 

 Gallinago media, Harting, p. 5 1 ; Scolopax gallinago, See- 

 bohm, iil p. 241 ; Pulteney's List, p. 14. 



A winter visitant, many remaining on our moors 

 and heaths to breed. The " drumming " of the male 

 bird may be heard throughout the summer in the 

 breeding districts as it flies round at a good height, 

 every now and then descending obliquely with a 

 rapid vibration of wing and outspread tail-feathers. 

 There is much difference of opinion amongst orni- 

 thologists as to how the sound is produced. The 

 question has been fully discussed by Mr. Harting 

 in his " Essays on Sport and Natural History," 

 pp. 285-294. He considers the sound to be without 

 doubt produced by a vibration of the primary feathers 

 of the wings, a conclusion in which he is supported 

 by such good authorities as Sir William Jardine, 

 Mr. John Hancock, and the late Dr. Saxby. I once 

 saw a Common Snipe, after flying about for some 

 time in its usual way, perch upon the highest 

 branch of an ash tree, which, being destitute of 

 leaves, afforded me a good opportunity of observing 

 the bird with my binoculars. After disturbing it 

 from its lofty position, it resumed its usual habit by 

 pitching down on the adjoining moor. The so-called 



