46 



SCOLOPACID.IO. 



One morning in the autumn when seeking for snipes 

 on Chertsey mead, we came to a similar spot close by the 

 Thames, and where the said rank grass never, to our know- 

 ledge, harboured a common snipe ; our dog put up two 

 of the present species just at the moment when we had 

 turned away from the river ; they were so large that we at 

 first took them to be teals, which are there frequently met 

 with ; the ground among this grass is too dry to invite the 

 common snipe to alight, and would, therefore, suit the 

 general taste of the Solitary Snipe better. Unfortunately 

 these two rare birds, by crossing the river immediately, 

 deprived us of the chance of following, and shooting them. 

 The present species is by far less fond of water than the 

 common snipe, only frequenting grass lands that are moist 

 from the effects of dew rising from the neighbouring water ; 

 but on drifting or floating bogs it is never found. 



The Solitary Snipe, when seen on the ground, stands 

 generally with its beak pointed to the ground, like the 

 woodcock, its neck much shortened, and on straight legs ; 

 its walk is easy, but it does not run fast ; its flight is 

 not quick, and is performed at a low elevation, and in a 

 straight line. Unless this bird is put up, it does not 

 show itself during the day, but remains quiet among 

 its grassy and uneven shelter, and requires to be started 

 again and again, if the place will allow its being pursued. 



When the present species is put up, or when it alights 

 in the dusk of the evening, it does not utter any sound 

 like the common snipe ; but it has been remarked by a 

 friend, that where two of these birds meet, they will call once 

 or twice to each other, uttering the word bad, bad ! 



The Solitary Snipe feeds, like others of its family, on 

 worms and insects that are found in the spots generally fre- 

 quented by them ; and in many instances caddis worms, with 



