THE RUFF AND REEVE. &18 



generally spring 1 from the centre towards the circumference of this 

 chosen spot." 



The live decoy-birds are tied by the leg to small stakes placed 

 near the snares, and have a latitude allowed them of about two feet 

 of string*, that they may be enabled to play and jump about, so as to 

 attract notice of the wild-birds. 



The scarcity of ruffs and reeves at the present day is not entirely 

 attributable to fen drainages, but to the pernicious system long 

 pursued by fenmen, of taking them during the very time of nesting, 

 when they are unusually tame, and may be caught with nooses by 

 any country bumpkin ; so that every ruff and reeve in some fens 

 has been known to have been captured.* 



If ever these interesting and highly-prized birds again become 

 abundant in this country, it will be owing to the good judgment of 

 the fowler in carefully abstaining from taking them at any other than 

 the autumnal season a stipulation which ought to be regarded by 

 all fowlers and fenmen, 



The flight of the ruff, when in perfect plumage, is slow and 

 laboured, resembling that of a newly-arrived woodcock ;f but having 

 thrown off the much-admired frill of staring feathers which encircles 

 its neck, the ruff then flies with the same buoyancy and velocity as 

 his partner, the reeve. 



The high estimation in which the flesh of these birds is held, 

 cannot be more clearly explained than by simply referring to the 

 enormous prices they fetch in the market. At the present day the 

 price paid for fattened ruffs is often as much as four guineas per 

 dozen : almost as expensive as ortolans, and they are considered by 

 some gastronomes as equally delicious. 



" As pretty a dish as can be seen ; 

 A fitting luxury for the Queen." 



Yarrell mentions the regular price of fattened ruffs to be two 

 guineas per dozen ; and states that they are never less than 30s. 

 when fit for the table. 



Pennant speaks of the regular price of fattened ruffs being 2s. or 

 2s. 6d. a piece. 



Lubbock states that the price of a ruff, fresh caught in the fens, 

 was formerly tenpence or a. shilling. 



* Montague. f Lubbock. 



S S 



