• 
There was even Beneen's dog, who at first rushed off 
towards the hird every time he drummed, hut either iie did 
not find him or the Partridge returned very quickly, for 
the drumming went on steadily during the whole forenoon 
and during the two visits which we made t> the fire in 
the afternoon. I have little doubt that I could have seen 
the bird had I wished, for I could see most of his log 
from our fire and he drummed once when I was still nearer— 
within about 20 yards. (The next day, the 23rd, was clear 
and cool, with a moderate north-west wind, yet neither 
Partridge was drumming so far as I coud ascertain by 
making visits in both fore and afternoon to the places 
which they frequent. This fact shows that wild, stormy 
weather suits them,at least at times). 
Drumming; 
Previous to this morning, I have not heard a Snipe 
of the 
drum in the day-time for twenty-five years or more, but 
Snipe 
between 8.30 and 9 A. M. one was hard at it over the Great 
by day 
• 
Meadows, within hearing of Bensen's Landing, but probably 
half-a-mile off. At least the sound was not brought per¬ 
ceptibly nearer when I took my canoe and paddled out into 
the meadow as far as the point where the old cart path 
comes in. I was sorely tempted to land and follow up the 
bird but I had too much work to attend to. How much later 
this Snipe kept up his serenade, I do not know. It was 
raining heavily and the sky was filled with low, driving 
clouds and scud, at the time. 
