228 THE JERSEY COAST. 



gish darkness the rays of light penetrated slowly, 

 bringing out feature after feature of the landscape, 

 lighting the tops of distant hills, and revealing the 

 fleecy coursers of the sky. 



Amid the fading darkness we soon heard the 

 welcome cry of the bay-snipe pursuing his course, 

 guided by light that had not yet reached our portion 

 of the earth's surface. Instantly we responded with 

 a vigor and rapidity on behalf of each, that must 

 have impressed the travelling birds with the belief 

 that we constituted an immense flock. Again and 

 again, long before our straining eyes could catch 

 the outline of their forms, came the answering cry. 

 Our eagerness increased with the approaching sound, 

 until from out the dim air rushed a glorious flock of 

 marbled willet, and swoojjing down to our stools 

 dropped their long legs to alight — we feeling as 

 though little shining goddesses were descending 

 upon us. 



Without pausing to discuss their angelic character, 

 but mercilessly bringing onr double-barrels to bear 

 upon the crowded ranks, we poured in a destructive 

 broadside that hurled a dozen upon the bloodied 

 sand. Startled at the fearful report and its terrible 

 consequences, they rose, darting and crossing in 

 their alarm, and fled at full speed ; but hearing again 

 the familiar call, after flying a few hundred yards, 

 they turned and came once more straight for the 

 decoys. Then my friend thought highly of me and 

 my breech-loading gun, for ere he had reloaded I 

 had discharged my two barrels three times, adding 



