230 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
land, devoid of vegetation, and covered with shallow j)Ools. Their arrival 
in the old haunts generally dates from the twentieth of April to about the 
middle of May, and is quite true to time in any given locality. For a 
short time subsequent thereto the sexes are concerned with the procurement 
of food, and may be observed wading knee-deep in the water of gravelly 
brooks and sandy streams for aquatic insects which contribute largely to 
their maintenance. While fond of such pursuits, the inclination to bathe 
within the limpid element to which they resort, is one which they cannot 
very well resist, for these ablutions are of frequent daily occurrence, and 
are enjoyed with great satisfaction. When disengaged from such occupa- 
tions, they squat upon the ground, or stand erect upon both legs. If 
disturbed they seek to escape by running, or by vigorous ai^plication of 
the wings. Their alarm, on these occasions, is best shown by the peculiar 
cries of killdeer, hilldeer which they emit. These expressions are some- 
times varied to te te de dit, or simply te dit. 
When the sexes have grown weary of surfeiting, they seem to come 
together by common consent, and, without much pomp or show, enter into 
marital relations. The union thus formed is one of purest devotion, 
based upon mutual sympathy and affection. Jealous of his spouse, the 
male throws around her his mgis of j^rotection, and stands ready to wreak 
vengeance upon any of his feathered brethren who should dare intrude 
upon her presence, or offer her the slightest insult. While thus regardful 
of her honor, he is none the less thoughtful of her comfort and wants, 
and seems ever ready to obey her slightest mandates, whether expressed by 
word or gesture. When she is ready to nestle, he accompanies her in her 
explorations, and assists in the selection of a site for a home. This busi- 
ness is seldom delayed later than the middle of May, and, although of 
immense moment, is protracted hut for a brief period. The spot chosen 
for a nest is a barren field by the seaside, a piece of ploughed ground, or 
some pool-ridden, grass-lacking plain in the interior. The nest is usually 
a slight hollow, and is lined with bits of grass, straw, sea-weed, pebbles, 
or such other substances as may be convenient to the builders. In some 
