THE LArWIXG. 235 



greatest inquietude, and become more clamorous wlien 

 farthest from the nest ; and they will even flutter along 

 the ground as if lame, in order to draw off the attention 

 of the fowler. In August the young and old associate in 

 large flocks, which hover in the air, and betake them- 

 selves either to downs or sheep walks, and after rain 

 disperse among the ploughed fields. In October the 

 lapwings are very fat, and are then considered good for 

 the table, although I never remember seeing them 

 dressed. In Lorraine there is an old proverb : " Qui 

 n'a pas mange de vanneau, ne sait pas ce que gibier 

 vaut." — (He that has not eaten lapwing knows not what 

 game is worth.) 



In October and November they are taken in the fens 

 in nets in the same manner as the ruffs are, but are not 

 preserved for further fattening, but killed as soon as 

 caught. 



The lapwdng is frequently kept in gardens, where it 

 is useful in feeding on the worms and slugs. When 

 this bird sees a worm cast, he turns it aside, and after 

 walking two or three times around it, by way of giving 

 motion to the ground, attentively awaits the issue ; the 

 worm soon makes its appearance, which the lapwing 

 seizes and carefully draws out. The following anecdote 

 shows the domestic nature of this bird, as well as its 

 singular conciliation of animals generally supposed to 

 be hostile to the feathered race : — 



Two lapwings given to the Eev. Mr. Carlyle were 

 turned into a yard, where one soon died; the other fed 

 on worms till winter deprived it of its usual supply. 

 Necessity compelled it to approach the house, by which 

 it became familiarised with the family. It was observed 

 by one of the servants that the lapwing always made 



