200 
THE RUFF. 
The Ruffs, esteemed as a most delicate game, are so much 
sought after in England, as to be almost exterminated from 
many of their native marshes, and sell, when fattened artifi- 
cially, at from thirty shillings to two guineas the dozen. 
They are usually taken in large clap-nets, erected over the 
mounds that the Ruffs have selected for their daily combats. 
The fowler, repairing to the spot before daylight, spreads his 
net, places his decoy birds (which are either real prisoners 
of the species, or rudely stuffed skins), and takes his stand 
at the distance of about one hundred and forty yards, or 
more, according to the shyness of the birds. The net, sus- 
pended by poles, and commanded by a rope and pulleys, is 
at length pulled over its victims, and seldom fails of secur- 
ing all within its reach. 
Although their natural food consists of worms, and insects 
of the marshes where they dwell, when confined they are 
fed and fattened on milk and soaked bread, hempseed, 
sometimes boiled wheat, and to hasten the process sugar ia 
frequently added to the rest of their fare. 
THE END. 
