CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 119 



use of a number of " dummies."* These are arranged 

 on the most frequented mudbanks ; and it is seldom 

 that a flock of waders will pass over the flats without 

 flying round, if not immediately settling to them. On 

 several occasions I have had as many as from three to 

 five hundred birds of various species gathered round 

 my " dummies" within sixty yards of the gunning 

 punt, the nearest probably being within a boat's 

 length. 



The arrival of a large flock of Knots is a most 

 amusing sight. After wheeling two or three times 

 round, they invariably alight close by, and, having 

 thoroughly examined the decoys, a general conver- 

 sation appears to take place ; then one by one they 

 thrust their beaks under their feathers, and in a few 

 minutes the whole are resting quietly on one leg. 

 They take but little notice of our moving about in the 

 boats at forty or fifty yards' distance ; but, should our 

 actions appear too threatening, a few will probably 

 ran up, and attempt to warn the unconscious " dum- 

 mies." 



On approaching still closer, they will occasionally 

 rise on wing ; but, finding their wooden friends do not 

 accompany them, they will settle again, and endeavour 

 with loud twitterings to induce them to start. 



The Knot is the only wader that I have ever 

 remarked so careful for the welfare of their lifeless 

 companions ; but Pochards commonly exhibit precisely 



* Imitation birds carved out of wood, and painted to repre- 

 sent Plovers, Godwits, or Knots ; being strongly constructed, 

 and furnished with iron legs and beaks, so as not to be injured 

 if struck by the shot. 



