482 THE PJTFF. 



neck spotted with dark vermilion and brown ; the belly white ; 

 the vent striped with black. The pen feathers are dark brown, 

 tipped with white ; the tail is black at the root, and at the 

 point orange, with a double stripe of dark brown. 



Observations. The Snipe is a native of the northern regions 

 of Europe, Asia, and America, migrating to warmer climates at 

 the approach of winter. Its flight is peculiar ; as it suddenly 

 swings itself to a considerable height, and then descends to the 

 ground like an arrow, uttering meanwhile its cry, Maykeray. It 

 frequents marshy places, especially if overgrown with bushes ; 

 and builds its nest in a hole in the ground close to the water's 

 edge. The eggs, which are four or five in number, are dingy 

 olive green, spotted with brown. Its food consists of worms and 

 grubs, though it sometimes eats grain and the tender roots of 

 marsh plants. When tamed, its habits are very engaging. 



192. THE LAPWING. 

 Tringa Vanellus, LIN. Le Vanneu, BUF. Der gemeine Kie6etz, BECH. 



Description. This familiar bird, which is about the size of 

 a Pigeon, frequents marshy meadows and morasses, and is 

 found in all parts of Europe. The back and wings are red. 



Observations. The food of the Lapwing consists of water 

 beetles and other aquatic insects, snails, earth worms, and the 

 leaves of various plants. The eggs may be placed under a Pigeon ; 

 or, if young birds be caught, they may be fed with ants' eggs, 

 and will soon be content with bran and milk. If the wings of 

 old birds are cut, they may be safely turned into the garden, 

 where they are very useful in destroying noxious insects and 

 worms. In winter, however, they must be brought into the 

 aviary, and fed on bullock's heart cut into long strips, from which 

 they will soon become accustomed to eat other meat, and will at 

 last be content with bread. Where flocks of them have been ob- 

 served, they are often caught for the table in barn-floor traps, 

 baited with earth worms. They may also be taken in horse-hair 

 nooses, set near their nests. 



193. THE RUFF. 



Tringa Pugnax, LIN. Le Covtibattant, ou Paon de Mer, BUF. Der 

 Kampfhahn, BECH. 



Description. The Ruff, which is found among the lakes and 

 wide morasses of Northern Europe, is nearly as large as the 

 Lapwing. It is remarkable as being almost the only wild bird 

 whose plumage varies like that of our domesticated Poultry ; grey, 

 rust colour, black, and white being so variously mingled one with 



