188 CURLEW. 



neighbouring coast will congregate in one enormous 

 cloud, when they have generally two or three favourite 

 roosting-places. To drive them to any one in particular, 

 send a person towards the others with a lantern ; on 

 seeing which, they will immediately take wing, and may 

 be heard repairing to their next evening haunt, with 

 cries, which echo through the air for miles. 



For curlews always contrive to have a second gun in 

 reserve, because, if you happen to wing a curlew, he 

 will generally cry out, and thus entice the flock to pitch 

 down again with him. You will then most probably 

 get much nearer than you might have been able to do 

 previously to your first shot. 



THE LITTLE CURLEW, or WHIMBREL. Scolopax phceopus 

 Le petit courlis. 



Whimbrels appear on the shores, in small flocks, 

 about April, and are much easier of access than the 

 other curlews. These birds are called " Titterels" in, 

 and about, Langston Harbour ; and " Chikerels" in the 

 district of Poole. They are very common in Romney 

 Marsh, where they are called " Curlew Jacks," and may 

 be killed in great numbers, without much trouble or 

 difficulty. They are then in condition, and excellent 

 eating. 



THE STONE CURLEW. Charadrius cedicnemusLe grand 

 pluvier. 



This, being altogether a land bird, is classed among 

 the plovers, and called the great or Norfolk plover, 

 and thick-kneed bustard. 



This bird, although riot amiss in flavour, is in general 



