SC0L0PACID2E — THE SNIPE FAMILY — NUMENIUS. 
321 
density of the fog, and as soon as the weather cleared, they set off in a straight 
course across the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Wherever there was a spot affording a 
supply of food, there the Curlews abounded, and were easily approached. By the 
12th of August all had left the country. In Labrador Curlews feed chiefly on what is 
there known as the “ Curlew-berry ” — a small black fruit growing on a creeping 
shrub not more than an inch or two high. When in search of feeding-grounds they 
fly in close masses with remarkable speed, performing beautiful evolutions in the 
air. While on the wing they emit a soft, whistling note, hut are silent when alighted. 
They run swiftly on the ground, picking up the berries in their way ; and when pur- 
sued, will squat in the manner of a Snipe, laying neck and head flat on the ground, 
and when approached, at a single whistle of one of the flock, all immediately scream 
and fly off, not infrequently realighting on the same spot. These birds continued 
to arrive in Bras d’Or for several days in flocks of increasing size. This species 
rises from the ground by a single quick spring, cuts backward and forward and all 
around in a very curious manner, and occasionally pauses in the air in the man- 
ner of a Hawk, remaining stationary, with its head toward the wind, just before it 
alights. It is more shy in calm and quiet weather than at any other time. In its 
passage across the Gulf it flies high, in close bodies and at great speed, but not in 
regular lines. Audubon was informed by old settlers at Bras d’Or that this Curlew 
passes northward over the same tract about the middle of May. 
The Eskimo Curlews are known to migrate through the interior in immense 
numbers in May. During the second week of that month large flocks of several hun- 
dred make their appearance, even while the snow, many feet in depth, still fills the 
ravines. At this season this Curlew may be found scattered everywhere, dotting the 
prairie in large, loose flocks. 
According to Giraud, this Curlew is found every season on the coast of New Jer- 
sey, Long Island, and Rhode Island. It frequents the open ground in the vicinity of 
the sea-coast, feeding on grasshoppers and other insects, seeds, worms, and berries. 
It arrives on the shores of Long Island in the latter part of August, and remains until 
the 1st of November, when it assembles in large flocks and moves off to its winter- 
quarters. He has shot a few stragglers as late as the 20th of November. It occa- 
sionally associates Avith the Golden Elover, is generally in fine condition in the 
autumn, and, unlike both the other Curlews, its flesh is finely flavored. In the 
vicinity of Ncav York it is known by the name of Futes. By Southern sportsmen it 
is knoAvn as the “Jack CurleAv” and the “Short-billed Curlew.” It is said to reach 
the Middle States from the South early in the spring, remaining only a short time, 
feeding in the salt-marshes and on the mud-flats. It moves in large flocks, and keeps 
up a constant whistling during the journey. It has been stated by those who shoot 
for the Philadelphia market, that a feAv remain and breed in the marshes about Cape 
May ; but it is more probable that these are only barren stragglers. 
On the New Jersey coast it is said to be a very shy bird, and requires great cau- 
tion to approach. When frightened it flies Avith great rapidity, and is not easily 
brought doAvn ; but may be much more readily shot as it flies to and from its feeding- 
grounds, or it may be taken unaAvares Avhen, unsuspicious of danger, it is feeding 
with other Waders on bars and points along the creeks. To approach it under such 
circumstances requires many precautions, as it is easily alarmed. If one is wounded, 
its companions evince great solicitude for it, and Avill fly around it for some time ; 
and advantage is often taken of this by the sportsman to obtain others. 
Mr. MacFarlane met Avith this species breeding in great abundance throughout the 
Barren Grounds up to the Arctic coast, but it Avas not met Avith before entering these 
VOL. i. — 41 
