638 BULLETIN UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



GALLTNAGO WILSONI, [Temm.) Bp. 



The Snipe. 



Snipe-shooting opened on the Mouse Eiver the middle of September, 

 and for two or three weeks I enjoyed as good sport of this kind as I 

 have ever had anywhere. The birds were abundant in the usual kind 

 of grounds, here afforded in the vicinity of the reedy pools that are 

 strung along near the river, and some excellent bags were made. I had 

 previously seen none of the birds, nor were any observed during the 

 succeeding season in the Missouri and Milk Eiver countries, where 

 there is little to attract them. 



List of specimens. 



MACEOEHAMPHUS GEISEUS, {Gm.) Leach. 



Eed-breasted Snipe. 



Observation of this species on the Mouse Eiver during the second 

 week in August, before the general flight of waders took place, led me to 

 infer that it bred in this region, like several other waders not actually 

 caught in the act. During the fall migration, in September, the birds 

 were extremely numerous, frequenting the pools along the river in large 

 flocks; they were unwary, apparently absorbed in their avocations, and 

 large bags could easily be made. Out of a lot of thirty or forty killed, 

 October 1, partly for my legitimate purposes and partly to improve our 

 fare, I selected, carefully measured, and preserved nine individuals, the 

 dimensions of which are subjoined in proof that the supposed 31. scolo- 

 pacetis is not a distinct species. The question is fully discussed in the 

 "Birds of the Northwest ". 



List of specimens. 



