BIRD LIFE ON THE BROADS 209 



are Coots, which at first endeavour to escape by 

 swimming, but eventually open their wings and 

 scuttle over the surface of the water, and soon 

 disappear amongst the reeds, a few only making 

 their escape by diving. Water-hens, of course, are 

 amongst the commonest of waterfowl in such con- 

 genial haunts, and the Water-rail and Spotted Crake 



THE COOT. 



are also, doubtless, there, but from their skulking 

 habits and unwillingness to take flight, they are 

 seldom seen except by snipe shooters, and then, 

 usually, when hard pressed by a dog. Snipe breed 

 commonly in the adjoining marshes, once the haunt 

 of the Black-tailed Godwit, and the Ruff and Reeve ; 

 but the two last named have long since ceased to 

 gladden the eyes of the wandering naturalist, and 



