162 THE GUN: AFIELD AND AFLOAT 



in pairs. In this matter of unsociableness it therefore 

 more nearly resembles the Great Snipe of solitary fame. 

 As a matter of fact, there are other striking points of 

 resemblance betwixt the Jack Snipe and the Great 

 Snipe for example, both birds on rising usually move 

 off without emitting any cry, and, moreover, neither 

 bird, as a rule, will fly to any great distance before 

 alighting. The shooting of the Jack Snipe is not very 

 exciting sport, for the bird flies straight, and in the 

 matter of speed falls far behind the Common Snipe ; it 

 therefore is not held in any great esteem as a sporting 

 bird. The length measurement of the Jack Snip2 is 

 about 8 inches ; from tip to tip of wings it measures 

 14 inches ; the ordinary weight ranging from 2 oz. to 



2 OZ. 



