SCOLOPACIDJE. 397 



1864 (p. 8961), as having been shot at Weston- 

 super-Mare, on the 6th of January, in that year, and 

 I have seen one or two specimens at Mrs. Turle's 

 that had been killed in the marsh; but I am not 

 aware that it has been taken here at all events, of 

 late years in its full summer dress. At one time 

 these birds must have been much more numerous 

 in our county than they are now, for Montagu says 

 that they were not uncommon in the fens about 

 Bridgwater, but even in his time drains and en- 

 closures had so reduced their numbers that only an 

 occasional stray bird made its appearance. 



A great trade was formerly carried on from some 

 of the fen counties, such as Lincolnshire, where 

 the fen-men used to catch great quantities of these 

 birds and fatten them for the London market; 

 but, owing to drainage and reckless destruction, 

 they are not now found in sufficient quantities to 

 keep up a regular trade, the greater number of 

 those now to be seen in the London markets and 

 poulterers' shops being probably sent from Hol- 

 land. 



As suggested by both the generic and specific 

 names, "Machetes" (a warrior) and "pugnax," 

 the Ruff is a most pugnacious bird, especially in the 

 spring, when the males are contending for the 

 females, at which time the most ferocious battles 

 take place ; the males then, taking up a position on 

 some little eminence, give battle to any male of their 



