cxx. 



LIMOSA MELANURA. (Leisler. 

 Black Tailed Godwit. 



The Black-tailed Godwit breeds in some of our lens though 

 sparingly, and in situations similar to those which arc chosen 

 by the RufF. They anive in March, and commence laying 

 their eggs early in May, they are four, and most commonly 

 like Fig. 1 of the Plate, although varieties of a lighter colom* 

 not unfrequently occur, some resembling Fig. 2, others, Mr. 

 Hoy informs me, have scarcely perceptible markings. The nest 

 is composed of dry gTass and other vegetables, and is 

 concealed amongst the coarse herbage of the swamps and low 

 meadows. Mr. Hoy adds, that when disturbed, they 

 are clamorous, flpng round and vociferating the cry of 

 grotto, gixitto, grutto, by which name indeed the bird is 

 known among the country people in Holland. 



