178 STILT. 



P. Alington, a few were now and then met with in Lincoln- 

 shire; one was sent up from there to the London market in 

 July, 1844. The more common times, however, for the 

 appearance of the species in this country are the spring and 

 winter. ' In Cambridgeshire, they were formerly plentiful in 

 the fens. 



In Scotland, two specimens were recorded hy Sir Robert 

 Sibbald, as having occurred; and two others are mentioned 

 by Mr. Don, as having been met with, one on the mountains 

 of Clova, and the other on Ben Lawers, in Perthshire. In 

 Orkney two specimens were killed at Lopness, in the year 

 1814. 



In Ireland, one was seen by Mr. Robert Ball, near Youghall, 

 in the winter of 1823. 



It is a migratory species, and is described as working its 

 way north in May, and southward as early as August; its 

 movements being made during the night. On these occasions 

 it sometimes flies at a high elevation. 



The Stilt frequents the margins of lakes and ponds, and 

 the borders of extensive watery wastes, and attaches itself to 

 the same haunts, returning the next day if disturbed from 

 any such. It is not particularly shy, but nevertheless is not 

 easily approached. 



Its long legs are adapted not only for rapid progression, 

 but also for wading to a considerable depth. They are carried, 

 in flight, straight out behind; and at the same time the 

 'wings are much bent down, the neck not much extended, 

 with the beak pointing downwards. Its flight is not quick, 

 but steady and regular.' 



It feeds on worms, water insects, beetles and other winged 

 species, and has been seen to catch the latter in a very 

 dexterous manner as it stands in the water. It also captures 

 the small fry of fish, which it obtains by dipping the head 

 and neck wholly under the water. 



A round hollow on the top of some tuft or mound serves 

 as a receptacle for the nest. 



The eggs, as represented by Professor Thieneman, are of a 

 pale blue colour, blotted and streaked with greyish green, or 

 olive green and dark brown. 



Male; weight, about four ounces and a half; length, about 

 one fooii one inch, or a little over to one foot two inches; 

 bill, black it is two inches and a half long, and slender. 

 Iris, red; there are a few dusky grey or light-coloured streaks 



