1 62 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



breeding of the snipe, little is known, as it takes place for the most 

 part beyond the limits of the United States. He is, however, a 

 resident of Washington Territory the year through. In the fall 

 and winter he inhabits the tide lands about the delta of the Skagit, 

 and the sedgy flats at the head of Seattle Bay. But as the April 

 showers approach, and the season of mating begins, we miss the 

 long-billed gentleman. He has gone to the mountain marshes, 

 the soft, mucky meadows along the slope of Mounts Rainier and 

 St. Helens. He flits from one tussock to another, probing the 

 mud with his delicate bill for grubs and worms to feed his patient 

 spouse, who has her little nest, with four spotted eggs in it, at the 

 foot of yonder red willow. Here, in sight of eternal snow, he en- 

 joys cool weather when the valley below smokes with the glow of 

 harvest, and a cloud of dust arises from the thresher. Here he 

 struts about on fallen logs with trailing wings and ruffled neck, 

 for the admiration of his mate as she sits on her nest and figures 

 out the probabilities of the next Snipe census. And it is at this 

 season that the male practices the habit, peculiar also to the ruffed 

 grouse, called drumming in the air, by which he beats a perfect 

 reveille with his wings, as he hovers over the nest of his spouse. 

 The grouse (or as they are called here, " pheasant,") does this 

 while standing upon a log, while the Snipe plays his tune when 

 poised in the air. His drumming is not so audible at a distance 

 as that of the ruffed grouse, but it continues longer and the notes 

 are just as distinct. 



In our estimation no sport is comparable to an October day with 

 the snipe, if they be tolerably plenty, and the additional requisite 

 of a brace of good dogs is not wanting. Undoubtedly the perfec- 

 tion of snipe shooting is had in Florida during the winter months. 

 Among the legions of our summer birds who here find shelter and 

 protection from the rigors of the north may be seen plentifully dis- 

 persed this, the Wilson's Snipe. In some places so thickly do they 

 rendezvous, that a dog is an impediment rather than a help, but 

 in many districts good use can be made of setter or pointer, and 

 the pleasure, we think, is greatly enhanced by one or more canine 

 companions, fully understanding you and their duties. Than the 

 Wilson's Snipe, no more delicious bird can be found, and the 

 premium if divided at all should be awarded, we think, in equal 

 parts to the Snipe and Woodcock. 



