50 HABITS OP BIRDS. 



the French the little king (roitelcf), or lung-berry 

 (roi-berry), or the king of cold (roi de froidure) ; 

 and the Germans, the snow-king (scknee-konig), and 

 thorn-king (thurn-konig). At the same time, we 

 are aware that the gold -crested wren has obtained 

 similar titles, such as in Italy the little pope (papaz- 

 zino) ; in Germany, the king-let (konigchen) ; and 

 in Sweden, king-bird (kongs-vogel). We pretend 

 not tp account for the universal diffusion of the same 

 notion, but it is most evident it does not arise from 

 the mistake that has been supposed. 



Jack- Snipe. 



It would appear to originate from the singularly 

 solitary habits of the jack-snipe (Scolopax gallinula), 

 that young sportsmen are disposed to take it for 

 the male of the common snipe (S. gallinago), 

 though it is so very different in size and even in 

 plumage. " The jack-snipe," says Mr. Knapp, " is 

 a solitary, unsocial bird, an anchorite from choice. 

 With the exception of our birds of prey, the manner 

 of whose existing requires it, and a few others, all 



