LECTURE Vr. 227 



as we term it, bumping, by putting its bill into a 

 reed, as most believe, or as Bellonius and Aldro- 

 vandus conceive, by putting the same in water or 

 mud, and after a while retaining the air by sud- 

 denly excluding it again, is not so easily made 

 out. For my own part, though after diligent 

 enquiry, I could never behold them in this motion ; 

 notwithstanding by others whose observations we 

 have expressly requested, we are informed, that 

 some have beheld them making this noise on the 

 sliore, their bills being far enough removed from 

 reed or water j that is, first strongly attracting the 

 air, and unto a manifest distention of the neck, 

 and presently after with great contention and vio- 

 lence excluding the same again. As for what 

 others affirm of putting their bill in water or mud, 

 it is also havd to make out. For what may be 

 observed from any that walketh the fens, there is 

 little intermission, nor any observable pause, be- 

 tween the drawing in and sending forth of their 

 breath. And the expiration or breathing forth 

 doth not only produce a noise, but the inspiration 

 or hailing in of the air, affordeth a sound that may 

 be heard almost a flight shot. 



Now the reason of this strange and peculiar 



