SANDPIPERS AND PURRES. 359 



The four last genera of this Table form nearly the 

 most obscure and difficult division in the whole arrange- 

 ment of birds ; running one into another, by shades so 

 slight and variable, that it is almost impossible to trace 

 any positive line of distinction. They comprise, under 

 the scientific names of Tringa, Charadrius, Numenius, 

 and Scolopax, the tribes of birds known under the more 

 familiar appellations of Sandpipers, Purres, Plovers, 

 Phalaropes, Curlews, Woodcocks, &c. 



Amongst the Sandpipers and Purres, we find those 

 busy, active flocks of little birds, which so often enliven 

 a sauntering walk along the rocks and shores of the ever 

 ebbing and flowing sea. There they may be seen, now run- 

 ning incessantly with a light tripping motion, up and down, 

 and here and there, in search of shrimps, sea-worms, or 

 small shell-fish ; and then, particularly if approached 

 too near, taking flight at the same instant, with a whir- 

 ring, whizzing sound, and a loudish whistling cry, re- 

 minding us, by their sudden changes in flight, and shades 

 of colour, of our friends the Starlings ; at one moment 

 appearing as a little dark cloud, if their backs are pre- 

 sented, and then in an instant almost dazzling the eye 

 with the bright white of their under delicate plumage, 

 occasioned by an instantaneous turn of their bodies ; and 

 then again seeming almost to disappear, as they dart 

 along with their wings edgeways towards the eye. It is 

 impossible to watch a flight of these merry, sociable 

 little birds, without pronouncing them to be a happy 

 race, with all the enjoyments and few of the cares of 

 life. The skulking, solitary gunner, who prowls about 

 the shore, appears to be their only enemy ; and, con- 

 scious of their power of keeping aloof, they seem to treat 

 him with indifference. 



Some species of these birds, such as the Ring-Dotte- 

 rel, or Sea-Lark, have advantages over other birds, with 

 respect to their young, on the appearance of danger 

 being enabled to carry them out of harm's way. There 

 can be no doubt of this curious fact. One of these birds 



