( GOG ) 



GREAT EGG HARBOUR. 



Some years ago, after having spent the spring in observing the habits 

 of the migratory warblers and other land birds, which arrived in vast 

 numbers in the vicinity of Camden in New Jersey, I prepared to visit 

 the sea shores of that State, for the purpose of making myself acquainted 

 with their feathered inhabitants. June had commenced, the weather was 

 pleasant, and the country seemed to smile in the prospect of bright 'days 

 and gentle gales. Fishermen gunners passed daily between Philadelphia 

 and the various small sea-ports, with Jersey wagons, laden with fish, 

 fowls and other provisions, or with such articles as were required by the 

 families of those hardy boatmen ; and I bargained with one of them to 

 take myself and my baggage to Great Egg Harbour. 



One afternoon, about sunset, the vehicle halted at my lodgings, and 

 the conductor intimated that he was anxious to proceed as quickly as 

 possible. A trunk, a couple of guns, and such other articles as are found 

 necessary by persons whose pursuits are similar to mine, were imme- 

 diately thrust into the wagon, and were followed by their owner. The 

 conductor whistled to his steeds and off we went at a round pace over the 

 loose and deep sand that in almost every part of this State forms the basis 

 of the roads. After a while we overtook a whole caravan of similar ve- 

 hicles moving in the same direction, and when we got near them our 

 horses slackened their pace to a regular walk, the driver leaped from his 

 seat, I followed his example, and we presently found ourselves in the 

 midst of a group of merry wagoners, relating their adventures of the 

 week, it being now Saturday night. One gave intimation of the number of 

 " Sheep-heads" he had taken to town, another spoke of the Curlews which 

 yet remained on the sands, and a third boasted of having gathered so 

 many dozens of Marsh Hen's eggs. I inquired if the Fish Hawks were 

 plentiful near Great Egg Harbour, and was answered by an elderly man, 

 who with a laugh asked if I had ever seen the " Weak fish" along the coast 

 without the bird in question. Not knowing the animal he had named, I 

 confessed my ignorance, when the whole party burst into a loud laugh, 

 in which, there being nothing better for it, I joined. 



About iTiidnight the caravan reached a half-way house, where we 

 rested a while. Several roads diverged from this spot, and the wagons 



