72 BAY-SNIPE SHOOTING 



young stool admirably. Thus flocks of old birds 

 will frequently be seen wending their way towards 

 the north, while the main flight is directed south- 

 ward ; and these flocks will invariably come to the 

 decoys, although the main body will take no notice 

 of them. 



Of course when the meadows are too parched to 

 furnish food, the birds cannot return on their tracks, 

 but must continue their flight to more hospitable 

 shores, and in this way one of the best chances for 

 good shooting is lost. There are probnbty, in addi- 

 tion, many ease-loving gluttons among the troupe, who 

 if they find the feeding-grounds well supplied, stop 

 for a time to enjoy the luxury after their long absti- 

 nence in the inclement north ; and in passing to and 

 from their favorite spots, are said by the native 

 human species to have established " a trade" to those 

 places. These birds, of course, wherever they see a 

 flock apparently partaking of a plentiful repast, na- , 

 turally pause to obtain their share, and thus fall a 

 prey to their appetites. 



Bay-snipe fly during the day and night high up 

 in the heavens, or close to the earth, in rain or shine, 

 but especially during a cold north-easterly storm, 

 which, from its direction, is favorable to their south- 

 erly migrations ; and they have a vigor of wing that 

 enables them to traverse immense distances in a 

 short time. In proceeding with the wind, it is usu- 

 ally at a considerable distance from the earth ; but 

 when facing an adverse current, they keep close to 

 the surface, and consequently are apt to be attracted 



