PECULIARITIES IN PAIRING. 09 



proves little, in consequence of their being in a 

 state of unnatural restraint. The sound which the 

 male bittern makes in the spring is singularly 

 harsh, and so loud, that it may be heard at more 

 than a mile's distance. It is termed bumping or 

 booming, and exceeds the grunt of the largest bass 

 string. It is supposed to express the passionate 

 feelings of the bird. 



'* During the months of February and March," says 

 M. Baillon, "the males utter, in the morning and even- 

 ing, a cry, which may be compared to the explosion of 

 a large musket. The females run to the sound, some- 

 times a dozen round one male, the male bitterns 

 strutting among their mates and endeavouring to 

 drive off their rivals." The same excellent observer 

 says of the ruff (Tringa pugnax), " I know no bird 

 that exhibits more ardour in the season of pairing, as 

 displayed in the impetuosity of the males, which can 

 only be referred to jealousy and rival ship. I have 

 often followed these birds in the marshes about 

 Montreuil-sur-Mer, where they arrive in April. 

 Their first object is to pair, or rather to fight with 

 their rivals, while the feeble screams of the females 

 rouse and exasperate their hostility, and their battles 

 are often long, obstinate, and sometimes bloody. 

 The vanquished betakes himself to flight, but the 

 cry of the first female he hears dispels his fears and 

 re-awakens his courage, and he renews the con- 

 flict if another opponent appear. These skirmishes 

 are repeated every morning or evening till their de- 

 parture, which happens some time in May." 



In the fens of England, in spring, the ruffs hill, 

 as it is termed, that is, they assemble upon a rising 

 spot of ground contiguous to the breeding places, 

 which are selected by the reeves or females, and 

 upon this rising ground they fight after the manner 

 of the wild turkeys and other polygamous birds, till 



