THE DINNER. 101 



I do not think fresh net-caught fish can be 

 superior to these. 



HAL. And these snipes are excellent. 

 Either my journey has given me an appetite, 

 or I think they are the best I ever tasted. 



ORN. They are good, but I have tasted 

 better. 



HAL. Where? 



ORN. On the continent; where the com- 

 mon snipe, that rests during its migration 

 from the north to the south in the marshes 

 of Italy and Carniola, and the double or 

 solitary snipe, become so fat as to resemble 

 that bird which was formerly fattened in 

 Lincolnshire, the ruff; and they have, I 

 think, a better flavour from being fed on 

 their natural food. 



HAL. At what time have you eaten 

 them? 



ORN. I have eaten them both in spring 

 and autumn; but the autumnal birds are the 

 best, and are like the ortolan of Italy. 



HAL, Where does the double snipe 

 winter? 



ORN. I believe in Africa and Asia minor. 

 They are rarely seen in England, except 



