144 THE RUFF. 



distance commence a general battle, placing 

 their bills to the ground, and spreading their 

 ruff; and this opportunity is seized by the 

 fowlers, who, in the confusion, catch them, by 

 means of nets, in great number ; yet even in 

 captivity, their animosity still continues : when 

 kept in a room, each bird takes its stand, as in 

 the open air, and if another intrudes on this 

 chosen domain, a conflict ensues. If the pan 

 from which they feed be not large enough to 

 allow of their not touching each other, they 

 instantly commence a contest. 



