808 
BIRD-LIFE. 
the shores of the North Sea, but was struck at the very 
first occasion by this trait in the habits of the Ruff and 
Reeve, which, after keeping company with the happy 
motley throng for some little time, always retired some 
distance from the sea to their accustomed haunts/' In 
these places our bird may be seen ever on the move, 
marching about in the proudest manner imaginable; the 
Ruff showing in every movement the great impression he 
has of his own importance, whilst the Reeve is far more 
modest in her demeanour. Both are active day and 
night, only sleeping at short intervals, and that generally 
on one leg. The Ruff is remarkable partly from his very 
upright carriage, singular deportment, and, lastly, by the 
frill of feathers round his neck, which, by the way, some¬ 
times causes him no little trouble when flying, or in a 
heavy wind, and yet it seems to be his greatest source of 
pride and self-satisfaction. During a gale the Ruffs are 
obliged to keep quiet, as the wind would upset them if it 
caught them from behind; whereas, in calm weather, the 
frill is alternately expanded and contracted, and is, in 
short, always in motion. The Reeves and the young 
birds are sociable, wandering about in large flocks, 
which one meets with, as I have done in Africa, even in 
the middle of winter. The Ruffs travel by themselves, 
only mixing with the Reeves during pairing time: the 
former agree well together, as long as they are not 
troubled with the “tender passion;" but as soon as the 
breeding season arrives they become the bitterest enemies, 
fighting with one another for dear life,—so at least it 
would seem. In all localities where these birds breed 
there are certain regular fighting grounds : these are places 
slightly raised, covered with close turf, and measuring 
from four to five feet in diameter; they are recognizable 
