12 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. viii. 



birds all the protection in his power, but unfortunately 

 he only exercises sporting rights over part of the place, 

 which actually belongs to the glebe land. The spot is 

 well known to collectors, and these unfortunately not only 

 visit it themselves, but have taught the neighbouring 

 crofters that the eggs have a commercial value. The 

 Phalaropes' best protection probably lies in the nature 

 of their nesting-ground itself, for, o^ing to the treacherous 

 going and the depth of the swamp, many of the reed- 

 beds and islets are inaccessible, even by swimming. 



