144 
METHOD OF FEEDING. 
space behind them. Their eyes, not being much wanted in the immediate 
capture of their prey, are placed so as to guard best against enemies, 
and to allow the bill to bore into the mud for its whole length. The 
feet are adapted for walking rather upon soft mud, than upon grassy 
surfaces, as they have the hinder toe very little produced or extended. 
They moult twice in the year, but with little difference in the mark- 
ings, only the tints are richer in the breeding season. From their 
localities and habits, they enjoy a more uniform temperature than 
most other land birds. 
The food of the Snipe consists of worms, insects, and 
delicate fibrous roots of plants, as well as minute seeds ; 
these last, perhaps, not picked up designedly, but swallowed 
while adhering to the glutinous surface of the usual animal 
food ; the bill is, no doubt, a delicate organ of touch, pos- 
sessing such a degree of sensibility as to enable the bird to 
detect its prey simply by contact. 
I have many times (says Macgillivray') watched the Snipe while 
feeding by unfrozen rills and in oozy ground, when there was snow 
on the ground, as well as on ordinary occasions, when, however, it is 
very difficult to observe it, or when it is met with, to avoid to alarm 
it. Proceeding in a crouching manner, it thrusts its bill rapidly 
into the mud, often up to the base, seems to be groping with it for 
a moment or two, then as rapidly withdraws it, and thus goes on 
advancing slowly, and making many thrusts in some places, in others 
moving quickly and making few thrusts. I have never seen it ex- 
tract anything to be subsequently swallowed, prehension and deglu- 
tition being apparently performed while the bill is immersed. It 
proceeds in silence, and if alarmed stops, crouches close to the 
ground, sometimes allowing a very near approach ; or if in a soft, 
muddy, or wet place, flying off* from a considerable distance. 
When obliged to take wing, the bird on rising from the 
ground utters a shrill cry, which has been likened to a 
scream ; thus Gisborne, who well describes its motions on 
such occasions, says : — 
The Snipe flics screaming from the marshy verge, 
And towers in airy circles o'er the wood. 
Still heard at intervals ; and oft returns 
And stoops as bent to alight ; then wheels aloft 
With sudden fear, and sCreams and stoops again, 
Her favourite glade reluctant to forsake. 
The flesli of the Snipe, being delicate and savoury, the 
bird is much in request in our markets, and is eagerly 
