CLIIL 



SCOLOPAX MAJOR. (Gmel.) 



Great Snipe 



The egg of the Great Snipe is another of those rarities 

 for which we are indebted to the perseverance of Mr. Hoy ; 

 from whom I have the following particulars. 



There is no doubt that by far the greater number of the 

 Great Snipe retire to the swamps of the north to breed ; still 

 a considerable number are spread over the fens and morasses 

 of Holland, and have hitherto escaped observation during the 

 time of breeding. It may, however, be met with during that 

 season, though not in great numbers, in the marshy districts 

 lying between Gouda and Gorinchem, and an extensive fenny 

 tract, abounding in peat bogs, in the eastern part of Dutch 

 Brabant. Bordering upon the Dutch side of the river Meuse, 

 is another locality, over which they are found scattered during 

 the breeding season. 



The Great Snipe resembles the Jack Snipe very much in 

 its habits ; lying close, and when disturbed, rarely flying far. 

 It begins to breed early in May. The nest is similar to and 

 placed in the same situation as that of the common species. 

 The eggs are four in number. 



