252 KEMIXISCENCES OF A SPOETSM.iX. 



on the coast and its nourishment of a fishy kind, it ac- 

 quires that taste, and is no longer palatable. 



Curlews are found in most parts of Europe, and 

 abound in all the plains and open marshes of Siberia 

 and Eussia, usually retiring northwards to breed, and 

 returning to the south as autumn approaches. In Italy 

 and Grreece, and probably further south, they are met 

 with, as flocks are seen passing over the island of Malta, 

 steering in this direction. 



This bird, which is in general so extremely shy and 

 wary, will in the breeding season take circuitous 

 flights within gunshot of persons walking near, making 

 at the same time a loud and screamiag whistle. The 

 sense of smell is peculiarly acute in this bird, and you 

 have no chance of getting near them excepting by 

 going against the wind. 



