126 GAME BIRDS. 



where it breeds. It is found in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, 

 and visits the south of Europe, and the borders of Asia. Unlike 

 the common snipe, it is a bird of heavy and steady flight, and 

 often becomes so fat, in the autumn, as to be scarcely capable of 

 taking wing ; its flesh is delicious. It is mostly found singly, 

 occasionally in pairs, but, in some districts, is very abundant, 

 affording excellent sport. They feed much on the larvae and fly 

 of the Harry longlegs. Their nest resembles the common snipe. 

 In the great snipe, the tail is composed of sixteen feathers; 

 middle of the first quill whitish ; top of the head black, divided 

 by a band of yellowish white ; stripe above the eye yellowish 

 white; upper parts variegated with black, and bright rusty; 

 abdomen and sides striped with black bands, inclining to red- 

 dish, brown at the point ; feet greenish-ash. Length twelve 

 inches. Females larger than the males; weight from seven to 

 nine ounces. 



THE COMMON SNIPE 



Is frequently found in our marshes and wet grounds, where they 

 lie concealed in the rushes, &c. In the summer, they disperse to 

 different parts, are found in the middle of our highest mountains, 

 as well as our low moors. Their nest is made of dried urass; 

 they lay four eggs, of a dirty olive colour, marked with dusky 

 spots; their young are so often found, that it is certain they 

 never entirely leave this country. When disturbed, in the breed- 

 ing season, they soar to a vast height, making a singular, bleating 

 noise, and when they descend, dart down with vast rapidity. 

 Their food is the same with that of the woodcock, larvae, slugs, 

 insects, and worms; their flight very irregular and swift, and 

 attended with a very shrill scream. They are most universal 

 birds, being found in every quarter of the globe, and in all 

 climates. They weigh about four ounces. The length, to the 

 end of the tail, is nearly twelve inches, the breadth about four- 

 teen ; the bill is three inches long, of a dusky colour, flat at the 

 end ; the head is divided lengthways, with two black lines, and 

 three of red, one of the last passing over the middle of the head, 

 and one above each eye ; between the bill and the eyes is a dusky 

 hue ; the chin is white ; the neck is varied with brown and red ; 

 the scapulars are beautifully striped lengthways, with black and 

 yellow ; the quill feathers are dusky, but the edge of the first is 

 white, as are the tips of the secondary feathers; the quill feathers 

 next the back are barred with black and pale red ; the breast and 



