AMERICAN SNIPE. 325 



they realight ; whereas during drizzly weather, they fly off to a great dis- 

 tance. When the Snipe alights within sight, and you are concealed and 

 silent, its movements can easily be observed. It first stands for an in- 

 stant in a half crouching attitude, as if to listen, then raises itself and 

 runs a few steps, when, if it be in any degree apprehensive of danger, it 

 squats, and there remains until put up. If all around is quiet, you see 

 it move in its ordinary manner, walking lightly, and with some grace, its 

 bill half inclined downwards, in search of a good spot to probe for food. 

 The instant it meets with this it sets to work, and thrusts its bill into the 

 mud or the damp soil, to a depth determined by the degree of softness of 

 the ground, repeating its thrusts eight, ten, or more times in quick suc- 

 cession. When it has thus examined a spot, and perhaps found some 

 food, it walks off in search of another, and thus continues until it is satis- 

 fied, when it generally lays itself down in a soft tuft of grass until the ap- 

 proach of night, when it flies ofl^ and rambles about for exercise in com- 

 parative security. When wounded, it runs with moderate speed, but, if 

 closely pursued, squats whenever a good opportunity occurs. It will at 

 times continue to run for fifty or more yards, after which, if you have not 

 a good dog, it is next to impossible to find it, for on such occasions it re- 

 mains perfectly silent. While travelling eastward from Charleston, in 

 the month of March, I found this Snipe perhaps more abundant near the 

 Great Santie River than any where else. We could see them with ease 

 from the carriage as they were walking over the rice-fields, as if in perfect 

 assurance of security. 



The food of our Common Snipe consists principally of ground worms, 

 insects, and the juicy slender roots of different vegetables, all of which 

 tend to give its flesh that richness of flavour and juicy tenderness, for 

 which it is so deservedly renowned, it being equal to that of the wood- 

 cock. Many epicures eat up both Snipe and Woodcock with all their 

 viscera, worms and insects to boot, the intestines in fact being considered 

 the most savoury parts. On opening some newly killed Snipes, I have 

 more than once found fine large and well-fed ground worms, and at times 

 a leech, which I must acknowledge I never conceived suitable articles of 

 food for man, and, for this reason, I have always taken good care to have 

 both Snipes and Woodcocks well cleaned, as all game ought to be. 



To Wilson is due the merit of having first shewn the difference be- 

 tween this bii-d and the Common Snipe of Europe ; and it is honourable 

 for the ornitliologists of that region of the globe to liave dedicated our 



