RICE BUNTING. 
223 
from the former by being of a rather more shining 
yellow on the breast and belly ; it is the same with the 
young birds of the first season. 
During the breeding season, they are dispersed over 
the country ; but, as soon as the young are able to fly, 
they collect together in great multitudes, and pour 
down on the oat fields of New England like a torrent, 
depriving the proprietors of a good tithe of their 
harvest ; but, in return, often supply his table with a 
very delicious dish. From all parts of the north and 
western regions, they direct their course towards the 
south ; and, about the middle of August, revisit Penn- 
sylvania, on their route to winter quarters. For several 
days, they seem to confine themselves to the fields and 
uplands ; but, as soon as the seeds of the reed are ripe, 
they resort to the shores of the Delaware and Schuylkill 
in multitudes ; and these places, during the remainder 
of their stay, appear to be their grand rendezvous. 
The reeds, or wild oats, furnish them with such abun- 
dance of nutritious food, that in a short time they 
become extremely fat ; and are supposed, by some of 
our epicures, to be equal to the famous ortolans of 
Europe. Their note at this season is a single chink , 
and is heard over-head, with little intermission, from 
morning to night. These are halcyon days for our 
gunners of all descriptions, and many a lame and rusty 
gun-barrel is put in requisition for the sport. The 
report of musketry along the reedy shores of the 
Schuylkill and Delaware is almost incessant, resembling 
a running fire. The markets of Philadelphia, at this 
season, exhibit proofs of the prodigious havoc made 
among these birds ,• for almost every stall is ornamented 
with strings of reed birds. This sport, however, is 
considered inferior to that of rail shooting, which is 
carried on at the same season and places, with equal 
slaughter. Of this, as well as of the rail itself, we shall 
give a particular account in its proper place. 
Whatever apology the people of the eastern and 
southern States may have for the devastation they 
spread among the rice and reed birds, the Pennsyl- 
