102 SCOLOPAX MINOR. 



same passes through the eyes to the hindhead, curving 

 under the eye ; from the back to the rudiments of the 

 tail, runs another of the same tint, and also on the sides 

 under the wings ; the throat and breast are considerably 

 tinged with rufous; and the quills at this age are just 

 Inn-sting from their light blue sheaths, and appear 

 marbled, as in the old birds ; the legs and bill are of a 

 pale purplish ash colour, the latter about an inch long. 

 When taken, they utter a long, clear, but feeble peep t 

 not louder than that of a mouse. They are far inferior 

 to young partridges in running and skulking ; and, 

 should the female unfortunately be killed, may easily 

 be taken on the spot. 



