THE EUFF. 249 



1881, he received two specimens in winter plumage from 

 Lennel, near Coldstream. 1 In these cases the birds appear 

 to have been on autumn migration from their breeding 

 grounds in the north of Europe to their winter quarters in 

 the countries south of the Mediterranean. 



Mr. Eobert Gray remarks that the Kuff is found in 

 small flocks on the shores of the Firth of Forth, 2 and on 

 the muddy parts of the estuary of the Tyne chiefly in 

 September when its stay is short and its movements 

 uncertain. 3 



During the breeding season the males have a singular 

 addition to their usual plumage in the shape of long feathers 

 on the neck and sides of the head, which form a frill or 

 ruff hence the name of the bird and at this time their 

 plumage varies greatly in colour. 



The Kuff is polygamous, and desperate fights occur in 

 spring amongst the males. When so engaged they used to 

 be caught with clap-nets in the fens in great numbers. 



It has been held in high estimation for the table, and 

 Folkard, writing in 1864, says : " At the present day the 

 price paid for fattened ruffs is often as much as four guineas 

 per dozen, almost as expensive as ortolans, and they are con- 

 sidered by some gastronomes as equally delicious. They are 

 fattened for the table with bread and milk, hempseed, and 

 sometimes boiled wheat, but if expedition is required sugar 

 is added. This latter method of feeding makes them per- 

 fectly fat in a fortnight." 4 



1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 562. 2 zbid. vol. vii. p. 465. 



3 Ib id. vol. viii. p. 52. 



4 H. C. Folkard, The Wild Fowler, pp. 313, 314. 



