BIRD NOTES 147 



In an old edition of Gilbert White's Selbome, 

 that had belonged to an Aldeburgh sportsman, I 

 saw written on the margin the following note : 



Snipe at Worm. "When at Aldbro' I shot a 

 great many Snipes. One day I shot a Jack, and 

 upon my dog bringing it to me, I found a small 

 red worm protruding from the mouth. I ever 

 afterwards drew my finger and thumb tightly up 

 the outside of the throat, and several times I have 

 by this means drawn the same description of worm 

 from them. And I have no doubt the Woodcock 

 eats the same." 



During one of the rushes of Snipe in the old 

 days, a young fellow called in at a since deceased 

 game dealer's, after the shop had been closed, 

 carrying in his pockets the proceeds of the day's 

 shooting. The dealer sat reading his newspaper 

 behind the counter. 



"What do you want?" he curtly asked of the 

 young fellow. 



"I've brought some Snipe," said he, emptying 

 his pocket. " I believe you buy 'em ? " 



The dealer coolly took up several of the birds, 

 and then critically eyeing the sportsman, asked 

 where he obtained them. 



