BAY SNIPE. 
15 
there appears to be a great want of sociability among them— 
each one seemingly so intent on providing for its own comfort, 
as to be entirely regardless of those of its companions. 
“ When feeding, the flock scatter over the bare places that 
occur on the moist grounds which they inhabit ; and when thus 
employed, are silent. They are by no means wary, and regard 
the approach of the gunner with indifference. On one occasion, 
I fell in with a large number, the nearest one of which I walked 
up to within close shooting distance, seemingly entirely unno¬ 
ticed. Notwithstanding there were upwards of forty in view, 
they were so widely distributed that I could not get two in a 
range, nor did I during my operations, which were continued 
until I had procured twenty-one of the number. At the report 
of my gun, those that were not singled out, flew on a short dis¬ 
tance, and resumed their occupation as before; and during the 
repeated firing, I did not observe an individual pass beyond the 
meadow which was comprised in a few acres. When surprised, 
it springs up, presenting a fair mark ; and, if allowed to proceed, 
flies steadily at a short distance above the surface of the ground. 
“ It feeds on various species of insects and minute shell-fish, 
which lie near the surface, and is at times seen boring with its 
bill to a greater depth. On dissection I have found in its 
stomach particles of plants. Its note, which is a low whistle, 
is not often repeated, except when apprehensive of danger. 
“ To some of the residents of the island, it is known by the 
name of ‘ Meadow Snipe/ and I have heard the bay-men term 
it ‘ Short-neck.’ In autumn it is quite common at Egg Harbor, 
and sometimes remains there till the early part of November. 
Toward the latter part of the season it is in excellent flesh. 
On the seacoast of New-Jersey it is called the ‘ Fat Bird.’ 
“ Mr. Baird has informed me that it occurs in Pennsylvania, in 
which section it has received the appellation of * Jack-Snipe.’ 
I have occasionally seen it in our locality during the month of 
July; but in such instances it has been alone, and I have always 
at that period looked upon them as stragglers, who, for want of 
inclination or ability to perform the fatiguing journey, have 
loitered behind the migratory band. • 
