THE RUFF AND REEVE. 247 



intervening shades, and this difference of colour in 

 the legs as well as in the plumage led some of the 

 older naturalists to create much confusion by de- 

 scribing different individuals as distinct species. 



The practice of netting this bird for the table 

 in the spring of the year, after the pairing has 

 commenced, is most reprehensible. To destroy the 

 breeding grounds, and kill the old birds is a sure 

 way to exterminate a species, and yet this is what is 

 being done in the case of the Ruff and Reeve. We 

 would earnestly beg of those who may meet with 

 these birds in suitable localities for nesting, in the 

 spring of the year, to leave them unmolested, and 

 not to cause another name to be added to the list 

 of beautiful birds which have already become ex- 

 tinct as residents in this country. 



