276 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



tangled rank herbage of the marsh without getting 

 lost, has always been to us a matter of wonder and 

 admiration. 



A remarkable instance of affection in a Teal 

 came under our observation towards the close of a 

 mild winter. We were shooting over a wild bit of 

 country where Ducks, Teal, and Snipe abound, and 

 remain annually to breed in limited numbers. A 

 rare spot it was for the naturalist, who might there 

 to his heart's content enjoy that varied description 

 of shooting which to our mind is so preferable to 

 every other branch of the sport. Treading on a 

 patch of soft ground, away went three or four Snipe 

 with loud squeaks in different directions. Down 

 came one, and another was missed ; before we could 

 load two more had gone away. Picking up the 

 product of the first barrel, we almost trod upon a 

 Water-rail which rose close to us, and with long 

 legs dangling down, flitted over the rushes towards 

 the water. But so good a bird for the table could 

 not be allowed to go, and so down it came, an easy 

 shot, and was lost to sight amongst the rank herb- 

 age. Unfortunately it was only winged, and being 

 without a dog that day, we spent ten minutes or 



