174 CHARADRIAD^:. 



the flock break up and separate into pairs to perform the 

 duties of incubation. The haunts usually selected for this 

 purpose are the summits of elevated mountain ranges and 

 heath -clad hills. On the Wicklow mountains we have ob- 

 served this plover on the heath, and had much pleasure in 

 observing its habits. Standing on some mossy knoll or rock, 

 it admits of a close approach, uttering repeatedly its pro- 

 tracted wailing and melancholy whistle. We can observe it 

 at a short distance attentively regarding us, the large, promi- 

 nent, black eye, so replete with the mildness that characte- 

 rizes the bird, indicating its fear at our intrusion upon its 

 mountain solitude. Disturb it, and, flying to the nearest pro- 

 jecting rock, it recommences the same long wail of sorrow. 

 When startled from the nest, the female rises stealthily, and 

 runs a considerable distance along the heath, and then flies to 

 the nearest rising ground, emulating the male with her pecu- 

 liar mourning cry. Occasionally, when the young are not 

 strong enough to take care of themselves, the golden plover 

 adopts means similar to the lapwing to lead us from the vici- 

 nity of the nest ; flying with a wavering flight, as if the wing 

 had received some injury, and feigning lameness in her at- 

 tempts to decoy. 



The flesh of this plover is extremely delicate, and is one of 

 the most frequent of the family seen exposed in the markets 

 of the city. Valued equally high at a distant period, 500 

 appeared at the feast of Neville, Archbishop of York ; and 

 again, at a dinner in Henry the Eighth's time, we find the 

 following item : Plovers, eight of a dish, three dozen at five 

 shillings. 



Indigenous. 



GENUS LXXXV VANELLUS (LAPWING). 



SPECIES 167 -THE LAPWING. 



Vanellus cristatus. Jardine. 



Vanneau huppe. Temm. 

 Phillipene. Green Plover. 



As an example of beauty of form harmonizing with brilliancy 

 of plumage, the lapwing is the most beautiful of the extensive 

 family to which it belongs. 



A resident during all seasons, in summer it frequents large 

 tracts of pasture and moorlands, which, on the approach of 

 winter, are deserted for the sea -shore, where they appear in 

 large flocks. 



