82 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



migrations. Should these cripples remain in a locality during the sum- 

 mer months, I have no doubt some of them might reproduce. 



According to Audubon, "the food of our common snipe consists prin- 

 cipally of ground-worms, insects and the juicy slender roots of different 

 vegetables, all of which tend to give its flesh that richness of flavor and 

 juicy tenderness for which it is so deservedly renowned, it being equal 

 to that of the woodcock. Many epicures eat up both snipe and wood- 

 cock with all their viscera, worms and insects to boot, the intestines, in 

 fact, being considered the most savory parts. On opening some newly- 

 killed snipe, I have more than once found fine large and well-fed ground- 

 worms, and at times a leech, which I must acknowledge I never con- 

 ceived suitable articles of food for man, and for this reason I have always 

 taken good care to have both snipe and woodcocks well cleaned, as all 

 game ought to be." 



The food-materials found in viscera of twenty-five snipes examined by 

 the author are as follows : 



' Polygonum. 



GENUS MACRORHAMPHUS LEACH. 



Macrorhamphus griseus (GMEL.). 



Dowitcher. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Bill similar to Wilson's Snipe ; wings rather long and pointed ; about three-fourths 

 of an inch of lower part of tibia bare ; front toes with basal webs especially between 

 the middle and outer ; tail double-emarginate with twelve feathers ; Oallinago usu- 

 ally has sixteen tail feathers ; sexes alike, but plumage varies much with age and 

 season. Although this bird has a general resemblance to Wilson's Snipe, it can 

 easily be distinguished from it by basal webs of toes ; or even when flying by the 

 white markings of lower back. 



