144 
THE RUFF. 
distance commence a general battle, placing 
their bills to the ground, and spreading their 
ruff ; and this opportunity is seized by the 
fowlers, who, in the confusion, catch them, by 
means of nets, in great number ; yet even in 
captivity, their animosity still continues : when 
kept in a room, each bird takes its stand, as in 
the open air, and if another intrudes on this 
chosen domain, a conflict ensues. If the pan 
from which they feed be not large enough to 
allow of their not touching each other, they 
instantly commence a contest. 
