108 
AT HOME EY THE DEE. 
this position tliey present a curious appearance when there 
is a high wind, as in that case each individual directs his 
breast towards it, and on a sandy beach or level shore, 
they often stretch out in long lines. When going to sleep, 
however, it rests upon one leg only. In open sandy places 
I have seen the flocks crouch. Its flight is strong and 
steady, performed by regular beats of the extended wings, 
the neck drawn in, and the feet directed backwards as in 
the other grallic. At all seasons it is very shy and vigi- 
lant, seldom permitting one to approach within shooting 
distance, and with its shrill cries alarming less waiy birds. 
Its alarm-note is a single shrill scream, but on some occa- 
sions it emits a modulated softened cry of several notes. 
When wounded, so as to be unable to fly, it readily betakes 
itself to the water, and swims off, sitting high, and moving 
with considerable speed. 
* Should one consider the Sea Pie the most beautiful of 
our native birds, I could not much censure his taste. 
When by the silver Dee, gliding rapidly along, amidst corn 
fields, pavstures, and fragrant birch woods, you hear a loud 
and shrill cry, and turning about, see a pair winging their 
flight up the country, their glossy black and pure white 
plumage contrasting strongly with everything around, 
and their long vermilion beaks giving them a strange and 
foreign asp)ect, they never fail to rivet your gaze. Equally 
attractive are they when running about on some grassy 
meadow, picking up an insect or a slug, then standing, and 
again advancing with quick short steps, prettily tripping it 
among the go wans; then emitting their loud alarm- cries, 
and flying off to a more distant pkice, or alighting on the 
pebbly beach. No creature but man seems to molest them; 
but of his advances they are always suspicious^ as good 
need they have to be.' 
