4 SCOLOPACID.E. 



insects as inhabit the humid localities frequented by it, and 

 more particularly the larvae of gnats and flies, and also 

 small beetles, small worms, and minute snails, whose shells 

 are now and then found in the stomach of this bird. 

 In order to facilitate the search for the Wood Sandpiper, 

 it may be remarked that this species chiefly seeks its food 

 on the swampy borders of lakes and ponds, where the water 

 covers the ground, or in spots where either grass or reeds 

 of low growth stand in patches : where these places have 

 become dried up in the summer it is in vain to expect to 

 find it. 



In the beginning of April a pair of Wood Sand- 

 pipers choose their place for forming a nest, which consists 

 in a shallow depression in the ground, lined with a few 

 dry grasses and other small blades of bog plants ; in it 

 three or four eggs are deposited, which are incubated by 

 the hen bird, while the male watches for her safety and that 

 of the young brood. Owing to the boggy ground which is 

 chosen for this purpose, the nest is very difficult to find ; 

 but the best way to facilitate the search is to take a spaniel 

 dog to the ground where the nest is supposed to be, for 

 the male bird will soon be seen to rise and hover over the 

 intruder, and by these means it will soon become apparent 

 that a nest of the Wood Sandpiper is not far distant, and 

 requires only to be carefully looked for. 



The present species measures about nine inches in length ; 

 the beak one inch and a quarter ; the tarsus is one inch and 

 a half, and the naked part of the tibia one inch, being one 

 half of its length ; the middle toe, including the claw, one inch 

 and two lines. The colouring of the beak is black from the 

 tip to the nostril, and from thence to its base greenish flesh- 

 colour ; the iris dusky brown ; the legs and toes pale pea- 

 green, with a pale blue tinge, and oil-green at the joints : 

 the claws dusky. 



