BAY SNIPE. 15 



there appears to be a gi-eat want of sociability among tbem — 

 each one seemingly so intent on providing for its own comfort, 

 as to be entirely regardless of those of its companions. 



" When feeding, the flock scatter over the bare places that 

 occur on the moist grounds which they inhabit ; and when thus 

 employed, are silent. They are by no means wary, and regard 

 the approach of the gunner with indifference. On one occasion, 

 I fell in with a large number, the nearest one of which I walked 

 up to within close shooting distance, seemingly entirely unno- 

 ticed. Notwithstanding there were upwards of forty in view, 

 they wei^e so widely distributed that I could not get two in a 

 range, nor did I during my operations, which were continued 

 until I had procured twenty-one of the number. At the report 

 of my gun, those that were not singled out, flew on a short dis- 

 tance, and resumed their occupation as before ; and during the 

 repeated firing, I did not observe an individual pass beyond the 

 meadow which was comprised in a few acres. When surprised, 

 it springs up, presenting a fair mark ; and, if allowed to proceed, 

 flies steadily at a short distance above the surface of the ground. 



" It feeds on various species of insects and minute shell-fish, 

 which lie near the surface, and is at times seen boring with its 

 bill to a gi-eater depth. • On dissection I have found in its 

 stomach particles of plants. Its note, which is a low whistle, 

 is not often repeated, except when apprehensive of danger. 



" To some of the residents of the island, it is known by the 

 name of ' Meadow Snipe,' and I have heard the bay-men tenn 

 it ' Short-neck.' In autumn it is quite common at Egg Harbor, 

 and sometimes remains there till the early part of November. 

 Toward the latter part of the season it is in excellent flesh. 

 On the seacoast of New-Jersey it is called the ' Fat Bird.' 



" Mr. Baird has informed me that it occurs in Pennsylvania, in 

 which section it has received the appellation of ' Jack-Snipe.' 

 I have occasionally seen it in our locality during the itionth of 

 July ; but in such instances it has been alone, and I have always 

 at that period looked upon them as stragglers, who, for want of 

 inclination or ability to perfoiTn the fatiguing journey, have 

 loitered behind the migratory band. 



