472 



RALLID^E. 



flying rapidly like the Snipes, running after the fashion 

 of the Sandpipers, and swimming with the facility of 

 the Ducks. In all these respects it does not belie its 

 appearance, its structure being such that a naturalist 

 would expect, a priori, that these were its habits. During 

 the breeding season, the Phalarope quits the sea, its usual 



THE GREY PHALAROPE. 



haunt, and repairs to the seashore, where it builds a neat 

 nest, in a hollow of the ground, with grass and other 

 weeds, and lays four eggs. The usual time of its appear- 

 ance in Great Britain is autumn; but specimens have 

 been obtained in winter. On all these occasions it has 

 shown itself singularly fearless of man. 



