238 
BIRD-LIFE. 
colour the localities they frequent, the bill is the most 
important tool. The Common Snipe, like the Ptarmigan, 
reminds us in a striking manner of the places it inhabits 
by the colour and markings of its plumage. It is a 
thorough child of the swamp. The entire upper surface 
of the body is a close imitation of the cover in which it 
is found, aye, even in detail, for the two iridescent stripes 
which run along the entire length of the back resemble 
so closely the half-withered leaves of the reed-like grasses, 
that one might almost imagine that they were really hits 
of it adhering to the back. The light colouring of the 
belly is unimportant, as it is always hidden from the 
enemy, hut the upper part of the breast again, on the 
contrary, closely resembles the grasses. It is very 
difficult indeed to discern a Partridge, a Lark, a 
Pipit, a Sandpiper, or any other bird whose plumage 
matches the ground, when in the act of squatting: in 
the case of the Snipe this is wholly impossible. I know 
many sportsmen who can easily find a hare on her 
“form,” but have never met with any one who could 
discern a Snipe either squatting or running. It often 
happens while shooting that a Snipe rises within two feet 
of the sportsman without his having previously been 
aware of its presence, and this in spite of the most careful 
observation. This assimilation in colour of plumage to 
the ground is essential to the preservation of the bird; 
besides this, the Snipe is thoroughly well equipped in 
other ways. I will pass by the waterproof plumage, 
pointed wings, and the full eye placed far back in the 
head, and at once direct my remarks to the bill: this is 
very long, somewhat spoon-shaped at the extremity, and 
is covered with a leather-like membrane instead of a 
horny case. The nerves with which the bill is provided 
