^ LAND-EATL. 
the neighbourhood ot the coast. In Septemher 18G0 I rode into the midst of a party of at least thirty or 
forty that were crossing a lane Avith steep hanks near Crowhurst in Sussex : the birds had probably 
been alarmed by a Avild and unbroken spaniel rushing through a piece of clover adjoining the roadside ; 
some fluttered as if Avounded, some ran in the usual skulking fashion, while others flcAV boldly towards some 
cover across the track. "While shooting near Battle early in September many years ago, I assisted in bagging 
eight and a half couple in about tAvo acres of clov’cr ; had breechloaders been employed at least double the 
number must haA'e fallen. 
Though this species is occasionally almost overloaded Avith fat at the commencement of the shooting- 
season, there are few better birds for the table Avhen dressed with care. 
It is asserted by some Avriters that young Land-Bails are at first covered Avith a black down ; I should 
rather be inclined to term the colour a dull dark sooty broAvn. 
