82 



long bill rests its tip on the ground, as if it 

 were a prop supporting his head. He is 

 asleep; but if you crawl near and bring your 

 glasses to bear, you will find that he sleeps 

 with half an eye open. The lower lid seems 

 to be raised till it covers half the eye ; but the 

 upper half is clear, so that as he sleeps he 

 can watch above and behind for his enemies. 

 He gives out very little scent at such times, 

 and your keen-nosed dog, that 

 would wind him at a stone's 

 throw in the autumn, will 

 now pass close by with- 

 out noticing him, and 

 [must almost run over 

 the bird before he draws 

 to a point or shows any 

 signs that game 

 is near. 



