THE SNIPE. 163 
gunners, stealthily paddled down upon them till within 
close shooting distances, these birds are termed “ Plo- 
vers,” and the pursuit of them plover-shooting ; of course 
wrongfully. : 
The last of this family is the Semipalmated Tattler, 
Totanus Semipalmatus, universally known as the “ Wil- 
let,” from its harsh and shrill ery, constantly repeated 
during the breeding season, the last note of which is 
thought to bear some resemblance to that sound. Itisa 
swift, rapid and easy flyer, and. though rather shy when 
in exposed situations, can be allured to the decoys. 
When in good order the flesh of the Willet is very pal- 
atable, although uot so greatly esteemed as its eggs, 
which really are delicious. 
Next to these come the Godwits, two in number, 
known by the unmeaning title of Marlin. 
The great Marbled Godwit, Zimosa Fedoa, the “Mar- 
lin.” 
This bird, though not very abundant, is a regular 
visitant of the seashores and bays in the spring and au- 
tumn. It is very watchful, and will permit of no near 
approach, unless some of its fellows are killed or wound- 
ed, when it will hover over the cripple, with loud, shrill 
cries, affording an easy opportunity of getting several 
barrels in succession into the flock. 
And the Hudsonian Godwit, Zémosa Hudsonica, or 
the “ Ring-tailed Marlin,” is a still rarer and smaller 
variety than the last, of very similar habits and of equal 
excellence in flesh. It is far more common in the Mid- 
