828 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



Young birds are frequently shot, early in September 

 upon these hills." * The species appears now to be 

 getting scarce even in its more favourite counties : 

 this is probably owing to the unsuspicious disposi- 

 tion of the bird, which allows of a very near approach 

 without taking alarm ; consequently it is easily shot, 

 and as some of its feathers are much sought after by 

 fishing-tackle makers there is something to be made 

 by shooting it. As I have often been asked what 

 bird it is that is so intent on imitating the actions 

 of its pursuers that it will let them get quite close to 

 it whilst so engaged, I quote the following lines 

 from Drayton's * Polyolbion/ as they are applicable 

 to the subject, and have been before quoted by 

 Yarrell : 



" The Dotterel, which we think a very dainty dish, 

 ' Whose taking makes such sport as no man more could 

 wish, 



* I am able to mention a more recent occurrence of the 

 Common Dotterel, for the Rev. Murray A. Mathew, writing 

 to me from Weston-super-Mare on the 7th of May, 1809, 

 says, " Having received information that a strange bird had 

 been shot on the Steep Holm, I went this morning to its 

 possessor to ascertain what it was. I was told that the bird 

 had been shot flying about in company with Swallows, and 

 from the description given me of its plumage I felt very 

 hopeful that it would prove to be a Collared Pratincole. 

 However, it turned out to be only C. morinellus. Other 

 Dotterel were seen near this place, but I have not heard 

 that more than this single example "were shot." 



