MACKOEHAMPHUS GEISEUS, EED-BKEASTED SNIPE. 479 



est breeze, while the edges for several yards all around were snow-white 

 with solid efflorescence. Gazing only at the pool, one would fancy him- 

 self on au ice-bound Arctic region, while the surrounding country was 

 desolate to match. Around such ijools, the water of which was utterly 

 uudrinkable for man or beast, were numerous Ducks and waders, espe- 

 cially Teal, Plover, and these Snipe, swimming, wading, or dozing in 

 troops on the banks in the yellow light of autumn, all in excellent order 

 for the table. They were loaded with fat, though it seemed incredible 

 that they could thrive iu such bitterly nauseating and purgative waters. 



The Eedbreasted Snipe is a gentle and unsuspicious creature by 

 nature, most sociably disposed to its own kind, as well as toward its 

 relatives among the Ducks and waders. In the western regions, where 

 they are not often molested, no birds are more confiding, though none 

 more timid. They gather in such close flocks, moreover, that the most 

 cruel slaughter may be effected with ease by one intent only on filling 

 his bag. As we approach a pool we see numbers of the gentle birds 

 wandering along the margin, or wading up to the belly iu the shallow 

 parts, probing here and there as they advance, sticking the bill perpen- 

 dicularly into the mud to its full length with a quick, dexterous move- 

 ment, and sometimes even submerging the whole head for a second or 

 two. All the \Fhile they chat with each other in a low, pleasing tone, 

 entirely oblivious of our dangerous proximity. With the explosion that 

 too often happens, the next moment some stretch dead or dying along 

 the strand, others limp or flutter with broken legs or wings, while the 

 survivors, with a startled weet, take wing. Not, however, to fly to a 

 place of safety; in a compact body they skim away, then circle back, 

 approaching again the fatal spot with a low, wayward, gliding motion, 

 and often realight in the midst of their dead or disabled companions. 

 No birds fly more compactly, or group together more closely in alight- 

 ing; it seems'as if the timid creatures, aware of their defenceless con- 

 dition, sought safety, or at least reassurance, in each other's company. 

 Thus it happens that a whole flock may be secured by successive dis- 

 charges, if the gunner will seize the times when they stand motionless, 

 in mute alarm, closely huddled together. In a little while, however, if 

 no new appearance disturbs them, they cast off fear and move about 

 separately, resuming their busy probing for the various water-bugs, 

 leeches, worms, and soft molluscs, which form their food, as well as the 

 seeds of various aquatic plants. When in good order, they are excel- 

 lent eating. 



Being partly web-footed, this Snipe swims tolerably well for a little 

 distance in an emergency, as when it may get for a moment beyond its 

 depth in wading about, or when it may fall, broken-winged, on the water. 

 On such an occasion as this last, I have seen one swim bravely for 

 twenty or thirty yards, with a curious bobbing motion of the heatl and 

 corresponding jerking of the tail, to a hiding place in the raiik grass 

 across the pool. When thus hidden they keep perfectly still, and may 

 be picked up without resistance, except a weak flutter, and perhaps a 

 low, pleading cry for pity on their pain and helplessness. When feed- 

 ing at their ease, in consciousness of peace and security, few birds are 

 of more pleasing appearance. Their movements are graceful and their 

 attitudes often beautifully statuesque. 



