FUNCTIONS. 
219 
Turnstone does as its name implies,—turns over the 
stones on the beach in search of food. Snipes bore with 
the bill into the soft ground and mud, feeling with it for 
worms, larvae, grubs, &c. Stilts and Avocets walk some 
distance into the water in pursuit of nourishment, 
and are thus, doubtless, blest with a greater variety 
of food than those of their relations, whose operations are 
limited to the muddy banks. The Rails and Waterhens 
unite each and all of the above methods of obtaining 
food. They feed on many plants and seeds ; glean from 
off the surface of the ground, mud, and water; plunder 
nests; walk on the bottom under water, and dive as well. 
They are all swimmers, and make universal use of this 
accomplishment. Some species appear especially adapted 
for certain portions of the morass : in those places where 
the water is either covered with broad-leaved or other 
aquatic plants, lying close to one another on the surface, 
the Gallinules ( Porphyrio ) and Parras seek their food, 
running over them with ease and celerity. It is doubtful 
whether the Herons should be classed before or after 
the class just mentioned, so gifted in the diversity 
of means at their disposal for seeking nourishment. 
They are certainly more restricted to certain places than 
our friends above mentioned, who pursue their trade 
among reeds and rushes alike, above as well as under 
water. Their habits, mode of hunting, and, indeed, 
their very prey, appear to us sufficient reason for 
assigning them the highest grade among marsh-birds 
in this respect. Besides which, they are in nowise 
confined to the marsh alone, but are quite as fond 
of wide, open pieces of water as of those bordered with 
reeds and rushes, provided fish abound therein. Slowly 
marching into the water, they keep a sharp look out 
2 G 
