90 TOTANUS MACULARIUS. 



are then covered with down of a dull drab colour, 

 marked with a single streak of black down the middle 

 of the back, and with another behind each ear. They 

 have a weak, plaintive note. On the approach of any 

 person, the parents exhibit symptoms of great <li^; 

 counterfeiting lameness, and fluttering along the 

 ground Avith seeming difficulty. On the appcaram of 

 a dog, this agitation is greatly increased ; and it is vrry 

 interesting to observe with what dexterity she will lead 

 him from her young, by throwing herself repeatedly 

 before him, fluttering off, and keeping just without his 

 reach, on a contrary direction from her helpless brood. 

 My venerable friend, Mr William Bartram, informs me, 

 that he saw one of these birds defend her young for a 

 considerable time from the repeated attacks of a ground 

 squirrel. The scene of action was on the river shore. 

 The parent had thrown herself, with her two young 

 behind her, between them and the land ; and at every 

 attempt of the squirrel to seize them by a circuitous 

 sweep, raised both her wings in an almost perpendicular 

 position, assuming the most formidable appearance she 

 was capable of, and rushed forwards on the squirrel, 

 who, intimidated by her boldness and manner, instantly 

 retreated ; but presently returning, was met, as before, 

 in front and on flank by the daring and affectionate 

 bird, who, with her wings and whole plumage bristling 

 up, seemed swelled to twice her usual si/e. The young 

 crowded together behind her, apparently >en>ible of 

 their perilous situation, moving backwards and forwards 

 as she advanced or retreated. This interesting scene 

 lasted for at least ten minutes; the strength of the 

 poor parent began evidently to flag, and the attacks of 

 the squirrel became more daring and frequent, when 

 my good friend, like one of those celestial agents who, 

 in Homer's time, so often decided the palm of victory, 

 stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assailant 

 back to his hole, and rescued the innocent from 

 destruction. 



The flight of this bird is usually low, skimming 

 along the surface of the water, its long wings making a 



