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Tliero Is exhilaration In the chase- Not bodily only. • ♦ ♦ ♦ • It Is a mingled rapture, and we find The bodily spirit mounting to the mind. Sir Egerion Brydgoa. i BT IIEXRY WILLIAM HERBERT, AUTIIOK OF FBANK forester's "Frsn AND FISIIINO," " HORSE AND HORSEMANSniP," "tub CUMPLBTB manual, foe young 8POET8SIEN," ETC. EIGHTH EDITIOX, COXTAIN'INCJ NUMEROUS CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS, A UKB- NKSS Of TlIK AUTHOR, AXD A VIKW OP HIS RESIDENCE, PUOTOGUAPHED BIT MEADE AND BROTHER. PBEFAOED BT gilt Cutginal Shetclj of Ijia berg luterwtmg pemotrs. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. NEW YORK: W. A. TOWNSEND, 377 BROADWAY. 1858. Entered according to an Act of Congress, In the year 1848, BV STRINGER AND TOWNSEND. In the Clerk's Office of the District Coiut for the Southern District of New-York. //^ "i- , *4;' PBIWTED BT HOTT & OAPFEAT, 82 4 84 Beekman St., N. Y. (■ • - V t. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ®t Volume ^Ttoo. PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEW OF " THE CEDARS," . . FRONTisriKc^. American Elk », Bay Snipe ^ 04 Wild Goose ••••.., G5 Brent Geese 190 Canvass Back Duck i^o Moose Deer -jqn American Deer ..•.,.. 039 Wild Turkey qqi Lake Huron Scotxk ogn 'f^ ;'« r i'l li;' CONTENTS OF VOLUME TWO- Bav Shootino . ''*"■• • • . 7 Bay 811106 ' • • • . . 9 Wild Fowl 45 Wild Swans 45 Wild Geese ... 57 Sea Duciis ... 74 Bay Shooting ^^^ Fowl Shooting o.\ Lo.va Island . . ,00 CifESAPF.AKE Bay Shootinq IJ.i VViLD Sroim.NG OF THE Wilderness . . ,.« • • • • 146 The Bisoii 149 Tho Elk . . 159 Tho Moose 166 The Reindeer, Cariboo . . , „ ^ • • • • . Ii2 The American Deer . ,„„ 173 The Black-tail Deer . 176 The Americiin Antelope . ^ 1/8 The Rocky Mountain Goat & Sheep jgg The American Black Bear . . ,0^ *•••<. lo4 The Grizzly Bear „ 186 • The Wild Turkey . •••••..,, 194 Forest Spouts 299 Moose and Cariboo Hunting 0 • • • . , 204 Deer Iluntuiff ^ • • ■ • ■ . . S39 VI CONTENTS. Prairie Sports 2r>3 BiHon and Elk Hunting 253 Antelope Hunting 202 Bear Hl.vting 2()6 MouTAiN Shorts 202 Goat Hunting 292 TuRKKY Shooting , , . 301 L'E.wov 306 Ai'PKNDix A :— The Fish ami FiBhing of North America . . 307 Ahpkndix B :— Sporting Nomenclature 311 Appendix C :— A few Memoranda for Sportsmen . . 815 Appendix D : — Canine Madness 322 History of Rabies 324 Symptoms of Rabies 331 The Tiiciturn Rabies 388 Post-mortem Appearances . 341 Medical Treatment of Rabies 845 Appendix E : — Game Laws 367 Appendix F :— Duck supposed Nondescript 860 Index 867 I . 2.'.3 253 262 206 2U2 292 801 ;;05 307 311 315 322 324 fh' 1 AMKKICAN i:i,I< # FIELD SPORTS OF THE UNITED STATES AND BRITISH PROVINCES. BAY SHOOTING. HE Atlantic coasts of the United States, with the deep bays and in- dentures of their shores, the estuaries of their noble rivers, the wide extent of salt marshes and meadows, inter- spersed with shallow land-locked washes and lai^oons, abinind, per. haps, more than any other region of" the world, in which man and cultivation exist, with all the va- rious tribes of water-fowl and waders, which ( ri minister to llio amusement of the sportsman. From themagiuficent and stately Swan, down to the minute Sandpiper, every species of atpiatic birds abound in their appropriate latitude, and in their peculiar season. From Boston bay to the Balize, some portion of the coast will, at all times of the year, be found to swarm with all the • « 8 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. ,( i !:| 1^ varieties of Curlew, Sandpiper, Plover, Gotlwit, or Phalarope, sometimes as passing visitors, sometimes as denizens and owners of the soil, on whicli they build their nests, and raise their am- phibious young. The greaterportion of these winter on the shores of the South- em States, and many in countries yet to the south of these, and during the spring and summer, pass eastward and northward along the coasts of the Atlantic, to their breeding places in the extreme North, on the cold shores of Labrador, returning thence in autumn to the milder climates of Florida, and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The great tract of shallow, land-locked water, which lies along almost the whole southern side of Long Island, impro- perly called the Great South Bay, for it is rather a lagoon than a bay, "occupying a distance of seventy miles uninterrupted in- land navigation," bounded on the south by the shingle l)each and sand hills, which divide it from the open Atlantic, and on the north by the vast range of salt meadows, which form the mai"gin of the island, is the resort of countless flocks of aquatic fowl of every description, and is especially the paradise of gun- ners. The marshy shin-es of South-western Jersey, the broad embouchure of the Delaware, the many beautiful streams which flow together into the Bay of the Chesapeake, the inlets of Albe- marle and Pamlico Sounds, the tepid waters of Florida, the great bay of Mobile, and the sea-lakes Borgne and Pontchar- train, at the mouths of the Mississippi, all abound in their season with these aquatic myriads ; but in none, perchance, are they more systematically and regularly pursued, than in the waters of Long Island. The mode of pursuing and taking them, is nearly the same everywhere, as they, like all species of wild fowl, must be taken by stratagem, and from ambush, not by open pursuit. The tribes and varieties of these birds are so numerous, that to attempt a detailed account or descrijition of them all, would far exceed the possible limits of such a work as this, and would cause it to assume the character, to which it does not aspire, of f BAY SNIPE. 0 a regular oniitlioloiry, rallier tlian a guulc and companion of the sportsman. Of the; RalliiliO, or Rail family, there are nine varieties; of tlie CharadriaJie, or Plover tiimily, there are also nine ; of the Scolo{)acid;e, or Snipe family, including Sandpipers, Tatlers, Godwits, Snipe, Avoset, Stilt, tind Curlew, there are no less than twenty-eight; and of the family of rinnatij)edes, or Lobe- footed Swimming Eirds, there are three varieties ; besides six Geese, two Swans, sixteen Sea-ducks, and four Divers, all of which come, to a certain degree, within the definition of game, as being objects of pursuit to the sportsman, botli for the plea- sure of the chase, and lor the purposes of the table; and in ad- dition to these, there are seventeen members of the family of Gruiche, including Cranes, Herons, Bitterns, and Ibises, which arc generally shot by the sportsman, when lie iinds an opportu- nity, although they caiuiot be in any sort regarded as gam(\ and are not, in gtMieral, suitable for food, their ilesh being, lor tho most part, coarse, dark, and fishy. A certain number of theso birds, however, must be dealt with and regarded as game; I be- gin, therefore, this department of my work, with what are com- monly called, although only one of them correctly, BAY SNIPE. No. 1. Red-bueasted Sandpiper — Tringa Mandica; Linn. — Vtilgo, the Robin Snij)e. Ash-cnlorpd Saiulpippr, Triiiira ciuprea, Wils. Winter. — Rcd-broasted Sand- pipiT, Tiiii'Ta riifa, Wils. Spriii:?. — Triiii^a islaiidioa, IJoaap. Sya. — Tringa ciiiprea, S\v. &, Rich.— Knot or Ash-colored Sandpiper, Nutt. Man.— Knot or Ash-colored Sandpiper, Tringa islaiidica, Aud. " Sj}cclfic Character. — Bill straight, longer than the head ; tarsi one inch and three-si.\teenths long ; rump ami upper tail coverta white, barred widi dark brown; region of the vent and the lower tail coverts white, with dusky markings. In spring, the 10 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. |i f, i upper parts are ash-gray, variegated with black and pale yel- lowish-red ; lower paits, including the throat and lore-neck, brownish-orange. In autumn, the upper parts are ash-gray, margined with dull white ; rump, and upper tail coverts, barred with black and white; lower parts white; the sides of" the body marked with dusky ; a dull white line over the eye. Adult in spring — bill black ; a broad band of reddish brown commences at the base of the upper mandible, extends halfway to the eye, where it changes to reddish-brown; upper part of head and the hind neck dusky, the fe;ithers margined with greyish-white ; a few touches of pale reddish-brown on the latter; throat, fore- neck, breast,, and abdomen, reddish-brown ; vent white ; lower tail coverts white, spotted with dusky; upper plumage blackish- brown ; upper tail coverts barred with black and white ; tail pale brown, margined with white ; primary coverts black, tipped with white ; secondary coverts grayish-brown, margined with white. Young, with the upper parts grayish-brown, the feathers with central dusky sti-eaks, a narrow line of cinnamon color toward their margins, which are dull white ; the lower parts ash-gr;iy. Length of adult, ten inches, wing six and three- quarters. " This species is familiar to our gunners by the name of Robin Snipe. In the great South Bay, Long Island, where those im- mense salt marshes arc separated by creeks and channels, a number of beautiful islands appear, differing in size and form, each having an appropriate name ; they form quite an interest- ing feature in the geography of the island ; there tlio Red- breasted Sandpiper, during its short stay in the spring, takes up its abode. Shortly after daylight, it commences its daily labor in search of food, visiting the slioal ponds that abound witli small shell-fisli, on which they chiefly subsist. The wily gunner, eager to profit by the ready sale of this superior bird, makes early preparation to receive them ; lying concealed near their favo- .rite haunts, by imitating their peculiar note, he thins their ranks Dy bringing them within reach of liis well-directed gun. ** At the period fur migiating, this species assemble in flocks. I 1 BAY SNIPE. 11 li-gray, and steer for the North, where it passes the season of reproduc- tion ; about the middle of August it returns with its young, when the change of phimage is (juite visible — the abdomen at this time is white, the breast pale rufous. Late in September it moves southward; at this period the lower plumage is white, spotted on the neck, breast and flanks with dusky ; the upper plumage ash-gray ; in this dress it is the ' White Robin Snipe' of our gunners. " In the autumn it generally frequents the inner beach, and is sometimes observed along the surf, collecting minute marine productions that are cast on the shore by the waves. In the fall it is more timid than it is in the spring, irequently passing within hearing of the fowler's treacherous whistle, without ap- proaching his decoy. In the spring its lower plumage resem- bles the Red-breasted Thrush, or Robin — Ttirdus migratorius— from which it receives its name. Common to both continents, and is said to lay four eggs." 3 im- a No. 2. Red-Backed Sandpiper — Tringa Alpina; Linn. — Vulgo, Black-breasted Plover. Tringa alpiiia. Red-bucked Sandpiper, Wils. Tringa alpina, Bonap. Sjrn. Tringa alpina, American Dunlin, Sw. & Rich. Dunlin or Oxbird, Nutt. Man. Red-backed Sandpiper, Tringa Alpina, And. " Spccijic Character. — Bill about one-tliird longer than the head, bent toward the end ; length of tarsi one inch. Adult with the bill black, one-third longer than the head, slightly bent toward the end, and rather shorter than that of T. ^uharquata ; upper part of the head, back and scapulars chestnut-red, the centre of each feather black, which color occupies a large portion of the scapulars ; wing coverts and quills grayish-brown ; the ])ase3 and tips of the secondaries, and part of the outer webs of the middle primaries, white ; forehead, sides of the head, and hind- neck, pale reddish-gray, streaked with dusky ; flire-neck and upper part of breast, grayish- white, streaked with dusky; on the lower part of the breast a large black patch ; abdomen 12 FRANK forester's FIELD SPORTS. If ill I J' white ; lower tail coverts white, marked with dusky ; tail light brownish-gray, streaked — the central feathers darker. " Winter dress, upper parts browniish-gray ; throat grayish- white ; fore part and sides of neck, sides of the head, and sides of the body, pale brownish-gray, faintly streaked with darker; rest of the lower parts white. Length seven inches and a half; winoc four and an eio^hth. " This bird, more familiar to our gunners by the name of ' Black-breast,' arrives on the shores of Long Island in the month of April. It soon passes on to the north, and is said to breed in the Arctic regions. In the month of September it returns, and at that season is quite abundant, though not So plentiful with us as it is on the seacoast of New-Jersey. It as- sociates in flocks, and frequents the shores, sand bars and muddy flats, feeding on woirns and minute shell-fish, which abound in such places. In the month of October it is usually very fat, and is considered excellent eating. In autumn, the plumage is so entirely different from that of spring, that by gunners generally it is considered a distinct species, and is called by them at that season ' Winter Snipe.' It then resembles the autumnal dress of the Curlew Sandpiper, the form and length of their bills being not unlike. By persons not accustomed to comparing birds, the two species might easily be confounded. The neck of the latter is longer and more slender — the head smaller and more rounded — the wings and legs longer — and with its general superiority in size, is sufficient to determine the species. " The Red-backed Sandpiper is found during autumn on the sandy and muddy shores along the whole extent of the coast of the L^nited States. It is a restless, active bird, and gleans its food with great nimbleness, and seems to be fond of continually changing its position. Soon after alighting, they collect togeth er, and make a short excursion over the water, again alighting a short distance from where they had previously taken wing. During their aerial excursions, when whirling about, they crowd so close together, that many are killed at a single shot. On one of these occasions, Mr. Brasher informs me that he killed fifty- i! '*^ BAY SNIPE. 13 two, by discharging both ban-els into a flock. This number is greater than I ever before heard of; but from ten to fifteen is not unusual. " To the curious who are fond of speculating on anomalies, 1 will mention a coincidence connected with an individual of this species, that I am at a loss to account for. In the month of November, 18i0, a gentleman shot a Red-backed Sandj)ipcr. Not recognizing it in its winter dress, and supposing it to bo something unusual, he had the politeness to forward it to my address. It being a very common species, and having in my cabinet several duplicates in both spring and winter plumage, I did not think it worth presei"ving. I threw it carelessly on my table, where it remained for two or three weeks without receiving further notice. At the expiration of that time, my attention was again called to it, when I was somewhat surpririod to find it in as good condition as when I had first received it. It having been shot about three weeks, and duiing the time that it was in my possession kept in a room in which almost every day there was a fire, I decided, as a matter of curiosity, to keep it in order to ascertain how long it would remain before decom- position would take place. On several subsequent examina- tions, I found no symptoms of decay, but discovered that the breast and other fleshy parts began to shrink. Now at the ex- piration of tAvo years, it is perfectly dry and hard — the eyes sunk in, or entirely dried up, a large portion of the breast-bono bare, the abdomen much contracted, and at the same time all the feathei's are complete ; in oilier words, it is a self-preserved mummy. The entrails were not removed, neither was it inject- ed, nor artificial means of any kind resorted to. Had this oc- curred with an upland bird, especially when in poor cf)n(lition, should not have thought it strange : but the shore birds, from heir being so excessively oily, are proverbial for spoiling soon after shooting." ' ■ V.f 14 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. No. 3. Pectoral Sandpiper — Tmiga Pectoralis ; Boriap.-^ Vulgo, Meadow Snipe. Tringa pectoralis, Bonap. Syn. Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa pectoralis, Nutt Mann. Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa pectoralis, Aud. Orn. Biog. " Specific Character. — Bill straight, base orange-green ; length of tarsi one inch and one-sixteenth ; upper parts brownish-black edged with reddisli-brown ; throat white ; fore pait of neck and upjier part of the breast light brownish-gray, streaked with dusky ; rest of lower parts including the lower tail coverts white. Adult with the bill straight ; top of the head dark-brown, inter- mixed with black ; sides of the head, neck and a large portion of the breast, grayish-brown, streaked with dusky; chin white ; a streak of dark-brown before the eye, continuing to the nostril — directly above a faint line of white : back dark-brown ; feathers margined with white ; primary rpiills dark-brown — shaft of the first white ; outer secondaries slightly edged with white ; tail feathers brown, margined with brownish-white — two middle feathers darker, longest and more pointed ; lower part of the breast, abdomen, and sides of the body, and under tail coveits white ; feet dull-yellow ; tibia bare, about half the length. Fe- male, the general plumage lighter. Length nine inches and a half; wing five and a quarter. " During some seasons, this species is quite plentiful on the shores of Long Island. It is generally overlooked by the gun- ners, and I find that most of our sportsmen are not aware of the claims it has to their attention. " In the spring I have never met with it in large numbers, and from this circumstance 1 am inclined to the opinion that it pass- es on to its breocUng grounds with but little delay. In the latter part of August it returns, and increased num.bers appear on the necks of land in the immediate vicinity of tide water, and are also found in the islands in the bay. Although large numbers are sometimes seen occupying the same feeding grounds, still M. ; BAY SNIPE. 16 the 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 tlie apjiroach of the gunner with indifference. On one occasion, I fell in with a large number, the nearest one of which I walk(!d 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 obsei-ve 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 gi'eater 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 temi 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 uionth 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 jouniey, have loitered behind the migratory band. I 16 FRANK FORESTP:r's FIF.LD SPORTS. " On Lonq^lKlaiitl I do not tiiink it Lreeds, and I am not aware that tht'iv nests have been found on the scacoast of tlio United States. In autumn its flesh is very juicy and well flavored when procured late in the season, I tliink it superior to any of our shore birds ; and I liave partaken of it when I have thought it equal to any of our upland game. " Tiie Lonj^-legged Sandpiper, the Curlew Sandpiper, and the Semipalmatcd Sandpiper, I purposely omit as so rare that they must not be regarded by the sportsmfin as regular game. Wilson's Sandpij)er and Schinz Sandpiper, I also omit on ac- count of their rarity, small size, or worthlessness." No. 4. Yellow-Siianks Tatler — Tofatms Flavij)es ; Latham. Vulgo, the Yellow-Legs. ^colopax fluvipes, Wils Amer. Oin. Totanus flavipos, Ronap. Syn. Teta- nus flavipes, Yellow-shanks Tatler, Sw. & Rich. Yellow-shanks, Totanus flavipes, Aud. Orn. Biog. " Specific Character. — Bill along the ridge one inch and three- eighths ; length of tarsi one inch and seven-eighths ; legs yel- low. Adult with the bill black ; throat white ; upper part of the head, lores, cheeks, hind part and sides of the neck, deep brownish-gray, streaked with grayish-white ; eye encircled with white, a band of the same color from the bill to the eye ; fore- neck, sides of the body, and upper part of the breast, grayish- white, streaked with grayish-brown ; lower part of the breast and abdomen white ; lower tail coverts white, the outer feath- ers barred with brown ; scapulars and fore-part of the liack, brown, the feathers barred and spotted with black and white ; primaries blackish-brown, the shaft of the outer brownish- white, whiter toward the tip — the rest dark brown ; secondaries margined with white ; hind part of the back brownish-gray ; tail barred with grayish-brown, white at the tip ; legs, feet, and toes yellow ; claws black. Length ten inches and three quar- ters ; wing six. Young with the legs greenish — and by those who have not recognized it as the young of the year, I have heard the propriety of its name questioned. 'i;**. tliree- rs yel- irt of* deep d with fore- ayish- ncast loath- back, lite ; 'iiish- ariea ray ; , and uar- hose Ihave BAY SMPK. 17 " This commnn sperics, well known tliroiiqlioiit the Union, ar- rivos on tlio shores of New Jersey and Lon-^ Ishind in the early part of iNfay. It associates in ihicUs, and Ireijiicnts tlio muddy flat!? that are h'ft bare at tlie recess of llie tide. At bir of its ap- proach. It obeys the decoys, answers the fowler's whistle, and if the sportsman is well conc(;aled, sets its wins^s, and g-lidea smoothly up to the decoys, rrr;ilac til n'lr hMscs \\ 1iit< uiipcr pints o;i('yisli-l)r()\vii, sc;i|ml;irs iiiMikcd with darker ; loot l)hiisli. Ji»Mi!j;lli filhM'ii iiiclu's and a li;ilt", wiiigoinlil and a. liall". VounLif with tlit^ lower parts iirownisli-groy, thu Irrriiyliiuiis iiiaikiii'_;s wanting. " 'I'liis bird with us is not as [jlcntiful as tlio fornior, and ia known to the gunners by the uanio ol" ' Jting-tailcd JSraiTui,' — BO calli'd iVoui the wliltu band crossing the tail leathers. A few an; shot every season on the shores ol" liOiig Island, and are ocea- sionally procured on tlu^ sea-coast ol* the l']astern Slates. 'J'hougli not abundant in the middle distric^ts, it is by no means a. rare spei'ies. It is said to breed abundantly on the barren grounds nciar the Arctic seas, rmiti \vhence it migrates through the inte- rior, or idong the coast of the Pacilic^ Its habits are nearly allied to the preceding, with which it sometimes associates." No. 9. TnF, Ef.d-kreastf.d Sniit, — ScoJojmx Novehoracensis f Gmcl. — Vulgo, Doicitcher, or Quad Snijjc. Ri'd-liroasted Snipe, Scolopax Novoboracoiisis, Wils. Aincr. Orn. Rcolopax grisni, IJoiiaj). Syii. S('ol(i|)!ix Novcljoiaroiisis, New-York (lodwit, S\v. & Kicli. Urown or l{('(l-l)r('!istf(i Snipe. Niitt. Mann. Red-breasted Snipe, Scolopax Novuboracensis, And. Orn. liiog. { I ( Is •' Specific Charocter. — Spring plumage, upper parts brownish- black, variegated with light brownish-red ; lower ])arts dull orange-red, abdomen ]ialer, spotted and barred with black ; rump white ; tlie tail leathers, and the uj)per and lower tail coverts tdteruately barred with white and black. In autumn the upper parts are brownish-gray; the lower parts grayish-white ; the tail i'eathcrs, and the upper and lower tail coverts, the same as in spring. Adult with the bill toward the end black, lighter at the base ; top of the head, back of the neck, scapulars, toi*- tials, and fore part of the back, blacki.sh-brown, variegated with ferruginous ; secondaries and wing coverts clove l)ro\vn, the 1 4 '<\\ ■nish- (lull :ick ; t;iil in tlie liito ; same filter , tor- witli tlie w rr *■' ' BAY SNIPE. 25 i latter edged with white, the former tipped with the same ; hind p;irt uf buck white ; the rump marked with rnundir^h spots of h!acki.sh-liro\Mi ; uj)per tail coverts dull while, harred wilh l)hick ; tail featliers crossiMl with numerous black bauds, tlieir tij)s white ; loral l)and dusky, the space between nhich and the miullal band on the I'ore part of the head, grayish wliite, tingi-d with Itirruginous, and sliglitly touched with dusky; sides of the head spotted witli dark brown; lower parts dull orange-red ; the abdomen hghter; the neck, and fore part of breast, spotted wilh dusky; ihe sides of the body with numerous bars of tlio same color; h;gs and feet dull yellowish-green. Young Avl'di tlu^ lower parts paler. Winter dress, the upper parts brown- ish-grey ; neck ash-grey, streaked wilh dusky ; lower parts gray- ish wliile, with dusky bars on the sides of the body. Lenglh ten inches and a half, wing six, " Our ffumiers, as if fearful that nothiufi: would be left to con- nect the past with the present generation, cling to the old pro- vincial names for birds, recognising this species by the singular and unmeaning name of ' Dowitcher.' " At the close of April, the Red-breasted Snipe arrive on the coasts of Long Island. Invited by a bountiful supply of food, at the reflux of the tide, it resorts to the mud-llats and shoals to partake of the rich supply of shell-fish and insects, which Nature in her plenitude has provided for it. As the tide advances, it retii'es to the bog meadows, where it is seen j)r()bing the solt ground for worms. In the spring, it remains with us but a short time. Soon after recruiting, it obeys the call of unerring Nature, and steers for the North, where it passes the season of reproduction. About tlie middle of July, it returns with its young, and continues its visit during September; and if the season l)e open, lingers about its favorite feeding grounds until the last o!" the month. "The whistling note of the Red-breasted, or 'Qtiail Snipe,' as it is termed in some sections of the Island, is well known to the practical bay-gunner, and he so tinily imitates it, that the call is obeyed at a great distance. Fond of associating in large i' i 26 rRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. ' !: I . flocks, this species is readily decoyed, and is noted for its unsus- picious and gentle manner. " Tile Red-breasled vSnipe is fond of frequenting the fresh ponds liuit occur on the lower parts of the beach, or meadow, during wet seasons, which situations are more favorable for procuring it, and attended with but little or no fatigue to the gunner, wh lies concealed in the rank grass that grows on the salt moa dows ; 01', when shooting over ' decoys' placed in ponds on th beach, he adopts concealment by making a bed of sea-weed, or cut grass, at a convenient shooting distance. Thus concealed, he has an opportunity of observing what is passing around him. Should a wandering flock meet his eye, or the notes of a distant group fall upon his ear, he pipes his shrill whistle in accord- ance with their peculiar cry, which is answered by the leaders of the roving band, and echoed by the wily gunnei*, whose hopes now mount high, as he sees them check their course, wheel, and advance towards the decoys, whose well-trimmed, tliouuh silent forms, are made partners to the treachery. "If suilercd to alight, it is not unusual for it to sjiend several minutes in feeding among the decoys before it discovers the deception. Flying close together, and being proverbial for hovering over the silent gioup that leads them to destruction, the gunner thins their ranks by pouring into the body of the flock his deadly fire. Notwithstanding great havoc is made, it not unfroiniently happens that some of those which escape, return and aliulit among ihe dead bodies of their companions, sharing — with ihe reloadingoflhe (runner's piece — their fate. " In dry sensons, when the shallow ponds have disappeared, the scattered Ihick is ol)S(Mved along the muddy flats, wnding about in the shoal water, though sekhmi venturing beyond knee- deep, and seldom to so gi'eat a dejtth. Even in this ex])osed situation, but little address is required to approach within shoot- ing distniice. T have often had opportunities of witnessing their dullness, in being apjirised of danger, while they were feedintr in company with various species of shore birds. " Long before the gunner thinks of taking aim, the watchful BAY SNIPE. 27 Its unsus- esh ponds w, during procuring iiiiCT, -wh salt mc'i ids on >1j ■weed, or Dncealed, und liim, a distant 1 accord- 3 leaders :', wliose t' course, rimmed, i several ^"ers the )ial for turn, tlie !ie flock ?, it not return shariuQ- poarod, ivading 1 kiiee- v])(ised slioot- essing y were itchful (jrull unfiilds its wings, and pnssos still farther on from danger — 'luickly followed by the shy Willet. Tlu; less timid Yellow- shanks hegins to feel insecure — it moves about with hurried steps — sloiips to take one more morsrl from the various delica- cies tJKit arc profusely scattered round it — casts a glance at the appi-oMcliiug fjuiiiici-, fofliiig that it h;is lingered too long for its safety, raises its wings, uttcu's a sup[n't'ssed and tremulous note, and leaves to finish its repast in some distant place of greater securilv. The host of small Sandj)i[)ers that are busily engaged in gleaning their fare, become ap[)rehensive, neglect their occu- pation, take winy-, and wheel off, leaving the lved-i)reasled .Snipe alone with the gunner. The friendly ' Tern,' I'mm its elevated and secure retreat, observes what is passing below, ilies around in circles, iitterinix loud screams, uri'lntr the loiter- ers to de])arr, which kindly warning is unheeded, until the sportsman has arrived too near for the game to escape. As he levels his gun, the terrified Snipe becomes aroused, springs up, and the next instant lies like a clod upon the nnuldy sliore. "The Ked-bn'asted Snipe is capable of rapid and protracted' flight, at times performed to a tireat elevation. During dry seasons, when in search of its favorite pools, it ilies hiirli, and at such times is not so readily decoyed. At Egg Ilarlxn-, where it is abundant, it is called by the gunners ' Jirown-back.' " No. 10, Skmipalmatei) SA.vniMiM'.u — Triiigd Scm/jmhnaia; 1 Vilmn. Semipalniatf'd Saiulp'prr, Trinq^a Seniipitlinata, Wils. Aiiipr. Orii. Triiica Sciuip;iliii:it;i, 15 )ii;ii>. Syii. Sfinipalinateil Saiuljiiper, Nutt. .Alaiiii. Triuiru Seiiii[)alinata, Aiul. Orii. Bioi;'. •' Sjirrifir. Chardctcr. — r)ill rather stout, broad toward the point ; iiloncrthe gap about one inch; length of tarsi seven-eighths of an inch ; l)ill and legs black ; toes half webbed. Adult whh the bill slender, about the length of the head — dark green, nearly approaching to black ; head, sides, and hnid ]iart of neck ash-gray, streaked with dusky ; upper paits blackish- ) n < 23 FRANK forester's FIELD SPORTS. brown, the feathers edged with grayish-white ; seconclary cov- erts tipped with white ; primai'y coverts brownish-bhick, as are tlie ieathers on the rump ; upper tail coverts the same ; wing quills dusky, their sliafts white ; tail f'eathei's ash-gray, the inner webs of the middle pair much darker ; over the eye a white line ; lower parts white ; legs black. Length six inches and a half, wing foui*. " This numerous species inhabits almost every part of the North American continent. In large flocks, they congregate on the beaches and sand-bars, and meadows, along the scacoast, as well as on the shores of the interior lakes and streams. Wlien feeding, this species scatter about in small parties ; when sur- prised, it runs with a peculiarly rapid movement — colltrting together in such close bodies, that as many as twenty, and some- times a larger number, are killed at a single discharge, V/hen closely pursued, they move oft' in one mass, uttering a chir])ing note, which by imitating they shortly obey. They subsist chiefly on minute animal productions. On dissecting it I have found in its stomach small particles of sea-weed and sand. In the fall it gets very fat, and is considered a delicacy. It breeds at the far North; laying four or five white eggs, spotted and blotched with black." " It anives among us in spring, and remains with us, should the season be open, until quite late in autumn, when it departs for its winter quarters at the South." No. 11. "Wilson's Sandpiper — Lohij^cs Wihonu ; And. *' Though more abundant on the coast, it is not entirely con- fined to the sea-shore, Init is likewise met with along the margins of the interior lakes and rivers. On the shores of Long Island it is very plentiful, and during the month of September is usual- ly in excellent condition for the table. By gunners generally, it is neglected on account of its inferior size ; though by many it is esteemed far superior, both in flavor and juiciness, to many of our larger shoie birds. This species has a lov/ lisping note ; I ■ a?! f m lal- Liiy ny I BAY SNIPE. t9 } 1 V when alarmed, it moves ofTin a coiifii.sod utkI irreqular manner, utterin" a slirill twitter. During the month of October, it mi- grates sontlnvarJ. " Early in spring it appears on the shores of New-Jersey and Lon" Island, and like the Semipahnated Sandpiper, nnmhers are seen during the summer months ; but in eitluT locality their nests are not iound, and I am not aware that they bleed within the limits of the Union. On the coast of Labrador, during tho breeding season, both species were observed by Mr. Audubon." No. 12. The Turnstoxe — Sfrcpsilaa Iiitcrprcs* — Viilgo, Brant Bird — Iloriivjoot Snipe. Trinjfa Interprcs, Wils. Amer. Orn. Strepsilas iiiterpres, Bonap. Syn. Strep- silus interpri's, Turnstone, S\v. &- Rich. Turnstono or Sea Dotterel, Nutt. Maun. Turnstoue, Strepsilus iuterpres, And. Orn. Biog. " Specific Character. — Bill black ; feet orange ; tho head and sides of the neck streaked and patched with black and white ; fore part of the neck and upper portion of the sides of the breast black ; lower parts, hind pnrt of the back, and upper tail coverts white; I'unip dusky; rest of the upper parts reddish- brown, mottled with black; primriries dusky; a band across the wings, and the throat white. Young with the head and neck all round, fore part of the back, and sides of the breast, dusky-brown, streaked and margined with grayish-wh'te ; wing coverts and tertials broadly margined with dull reddish-brown. It can at all times be identified by its having the throat, lower parts, hind part of the back, and the U2)[)er tail covet ts wliite, and the feathers on the rump dusky. Adult with the bill Mack; throat white ; sides of tho head mottled with black and white ; crown streaked with black on white ground; on the hind neck a patch of white ; a patch of black on the sides of the neck, of •There has been much confusion in tho classification and noincnchture of these birds. Tiiis and the following species were formerly classed as 1 ring<£f Sandpipers. I have therefore placed them ne-\t in order. ir i, i Si ! r'i I'jit 30 FKANK FORESTKR S FIELD SPORTS. whicli color are tlie fore-ticrk niid tlio sidrs oftlio breast : lower PI parts wliite : tall l)lackisli-l)rouii, \\liito at the base, of wliicli color arc the lateral ieatliert!, Avitli a si)ot ol" black on the iiiiior vanes near tlie end — the rest margined with reddish-brown anil ti2)i)ed with white ; U])per tail coverts \\ hi e ; hind part of the back white ; the feathers on the rumj) black ; fore part of the back mottled with black and reddish-brown; priniaiies dark- brown, inner webs white; secondaries broadly edged with white, forming a band on the wings; onter secondaiy co\erts reddish-brown ; inner black — (Miter scapulars white, with dusky spots; inner scapulars reddish-brown. In winter, the colors are duller. Length nine inches, wing five and three-quarters, " In this vicinity, this species is better known to the gunners by the name of 'Brant Bird;' at Egg Harbor it is culled 'Horse-foot Snipe,' from its feeding on the spawn of the king- crab, or * horse-foot,' as the bay-men teiTn it. " Early in the month of April it arrives among us from the Southern States, where many pass the winter, and leaves for its breeding place at the North in the latter part of May. It re- turns to the shores of New-Jersey and Long Island about Sep- tember, where it remains until late in autumn. This is not a numerous si^ecies. In its habits it is rather solitary, and is seen shigly or in small parties at that season, wandering along the beach in search of insects and minute shell- fish, which it pro- cures hy rolling over the small pebbles, from which it receives its name. In the fall, it is generally in fine condition, and es teemed a delicacy. At Egg Harbor, the young of the species are called ' Beach Birds.' " No. 13. The Sanderling — Calidris Arcnaria ; llliger. Ruddy riovcr, Charadrius rubidus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Summer. Sanderling riovcr, Charadrius Calidris, Wils. Amer. Orn. Winter. Calidris arenaria, Sanderling Sw. & Rich. Sanderlinyr Plover, Calidris arenaria, Nutt. Man. Sanderling, Tringa arenaria, Aud. Orn. Biog. " Specific Character. — Bill straight, black, along the gap one i li' BAV SNIPK. 31 )!•()- species ^cr. Inch nii.l ono-nli;lit1i ; len^'th of tarsi ono inch; hind toe wniit- ing. A.lult witli hill stniiijlit, ahoiit us h)ng as tho head. Spnii'.? ])hiina!;o, 'pper parts, with thn throat, forc-nock and upprr p;iir i»f tlio broiiSt rutou.-i, iiitmnixod with dusky and grayish-wliitc, dpi'pcT red on the hack; htwcr part of tlio hruast, ah(h)in(Mi, and skU'S of the hotly pure white; tarsi aiid feet hl;ick; chuvs sin:i]I, compressed ; primaries, outei' wehs hhick, inner wehs h^flit-hrown ; sliafts l)i-owii at tho l>;is»% tii)s lilack, rest pure whi'e ; S(!con(hiries light-hrown, hroadly margined with white. Winter dress, h)wer p irts wliito ; upper parts grayisli-whit(% intermixed with hlack or dusky, (hirkest on the hack. Lrngtli seven inches and three-quarters, winj^ four and seviui-ei'^hths. " The Sanderhng is s;iid to 1)c an inhahitant of l)otIi Europe and America. According to Lnthain, it is known to he an in liahitiuit of the remote coasts of Austraha, and is found on tlie shor.'s of Lake Baik;d in Sihcria. To the coast of tlio United St;ites it is one of tho most common si)ocie3, hut with us I have i^.ever ohscu'vcd very largo numhers during S])ring. Ahout the middle of August it arrives in flocks f)n tho shoies of hong Is- land, and usually hy tho first of .Septemher is very ahundant. " Sometimes it is seen occupying, with other smidl species of .Sand[)ipers, the shoals and mud-ilats that occur in the shallow part of the hay, thou'^h generally it seems to prefer the more immediate horders of tho ocean. I hnve rarely, during the early p;ut of autumn, visited the surf without meeting with large groups of Sanderlings collected along the beach, of which they have almost entire possession, as most of our shore hirds find more productive feeding-grounds on the richer soil that is daily overllown hy our inland hay. " The .Saudei'ling is of a sociahle disposition, and searches for food in company, and is ohseiTed prohing the sand for small bivalve shells and marine worms — to which article of diet, how- ever, it is not altogether confined, as at times it is seen attending the retiring wave, which furnishes it with shrimps and the like " When feeding along the extreme verge of the ocean, it is pleasing to watch its active movements, when advancing or re- ip one !J I 32 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. treating with tlie influx or reflux of the sea. It is naturally very unwary, aiul regards man Avith less sus2)ici()n than most of our Tringas. When fired into, tliose wliich survive rise with a low whistling note, perform a few evolutions, and presently resume their oecupati(»n with as much confidence as previously exhilut- ed. When wounded in the win"- it takes to the water and. swims well. " Late in the season it gets very fat, and is excellent eating The plumage of the Sanderling, lilcc most other species, varies with the s(>asons. In spring, the fore part of the neck and up- per portion of the hreast, is of a jiale rufous color; in autumn, the entire lower parts are pure white — exceeding in whiteness the hleached sand on which it dwells. "Early wiiters have classed this hird under the genus Chara- drius — Plover — to which the f)nly claim it has, is, that the hind toe is wanting. Wilson, in his excellent work, speaks of the impropriety of this arrangement — though not wishing to disturb previous cLissification, he has followed the same system as that adopted by his jiredecessors. " lu our more modern nomenclature, it appears in a new genus — Qdidris — of Illiger — and up to the present day is tlio only species of that genus discovered. In INIr. Audubon's woric it is classed with the Tringas, and with the next we close our remarks on that o^enus." No, 14. TuE Spotted Saxdpiper — Tringa Maadaria.--' Vulgo, Tccfcr- TiltiqK Triiiira niiiculariti, Wils. Anier. Orn. Tottinus maculariup, Boiinp. Syn. Spot- ted Taller or Pcpt-wcct, Nutt. Man. Si)otU'(i Sandpiper, Totamis inaculu- rius, And. Orn. IJiojr. "Specific Character. — Bill along the gap about one inch ; length of tarsi seven-eightlis ; upper parts brown, barred with dusky; lower p;"-ts white, spotted with blackish-brown. Adult with the bill longer than the head, slender, greenish-yellow at the base, dusky at the end; lower parts white, distinctly spotted with BAY SNIPE. 33 blackisli brown; tail olive-brown, faintly barred with dusky, and tipped with white ; upper parts br.own, barred with dusky ; inner primaries tip[)ed witli wliite ; secondaries more broadly tipped with the same ; a baud of white behind the eye — a white rin'^ round the eye; outer toes eonnectcd by a mem- braiii; as far as the first joint. Leii