26 SC0L0PAC1D.E, 



ground is, that they may be aware of the approach of an 

 enemy. 



The habits of the Black-tailed Godwit are like those of 

 most of its tribe ; in flight, it opens its pointed wings at full 

 length, and beats the air in regular succession ; but when 

 hurried, its wings are only half opened, and the strokes be- 

 come very quick, whereby its speed is very much increased. 

 Its walk is not unlike that of the stork, and when at rest, it 

 invariably stands on one leg, as represented in our Plate. 



We have taken great pains to study the natural positions 

 of the more uncommon British Birds, that are not readily met 

 with in a wild state, from living specimens that we procured 

 for that purpose, and which we kept in confinement for seve- 

 ral years, taking care to supply them with artificial ground 

 that suited them. It is more interesting by far to have a 

 collection of living birds, as we have had (for the purpose of 

 bringing out our quarto edition of British Birds'), than the 

 largest collection of stuffed specimens that can be brought 

 together, with all their varieties ; and we can recommend 

 the undertaking to any one who has the means, and sufficient 

 room in his grounds, to try the experiment, provided he 

 overlooks the general treatment of the birds himself, and has 

 a keeper who is careful to supply their wants, and to keep 

 the cages or grounds clean, and well supplied with fresh 

 water. The first reward for such an establishment consists in 

 being enabled to watch the manners and habits of the birds, 

 and next to observe the changes of plumage during moulting; 

 the different notes of the birds are equally amusing. One 

 great drawback we must not forget to mention, that will 

 always attend this fancy, namely, that one never enjoys the 

 sight of stuffed specimens again. 



The present species is exceedingly shy, and the adult birds 

 cannot be approached within gunshot while feeding or resting 



