10 SNIPE.
sitting smoking hnrinVi it. As I noticed that several sparks frnm n lamp of peat with which one of tlie
men was lighting liis pipe fell over tlie loek, I inquired if the charge had been drawn. "Yes," remarked
John I lie punt man, with the oir of one who thoroughly understand- ins hu-ine-s and has properly
performed it; "she's washed out, loaded and primed ready for the morning." On inspecting the loek
I discovered that the covering to the nipple was simply a piece nf hrown paper such as Highlanders use
for tinder, and consequently extremely liable to ignite from a spark ; so I suggested that the gun should
he placed in the far comer of the room where it would still he protected from the frost*. As nothing,
however, would satisfy the landlady, who came in at this moment, hut the immediate removal of the
dangerous weapon, I ordered the men to take nut the gun and draw the charge. In less than two
minutes there was a deafening explosion, followed by a tearful crash; the glass was blown in, the lights
blown out, the landlady fainted, the lassies screamed, and the dogs barked. On rushing out to seo what
had happened, I learned that after cleaning out and loading the gun, the men had carried the rods down
to the punts when they had gone to see that all was snug for the night. Having no means at baud for
drawing (he charge, they placed a cap on the nipple, and holding the muzzle in the uir with the butt
steadied on the bricks of the yard bad fired the charge, with the result described. On subsequent inquiry
I found out that John, who had rather a spite against the landlaly (as that stem matron had reprimanded
him for some unbecoming levity she had detected between bitu oud one of the damsels of her establishment),
had done it in hopes of giving her a fright, without having bestowed a thought on the panes
of glass that would be bluwu in by the concussion and naturally fell to my share to pay for.
• s. m-' B.ii;.i. r- in idea dm I it i>.!, i-.-. •. i- to .A; ..v tlie frost to art into th» Wrel of I puut-gun.
JACK SNIPE.
SCOL 01'J X GAL LINULA.
Os the approach of autumn the Jack Snipe is to lie met with in all parts of the British Islands, more
plentiful perhaps (according to my own experience) in the southern and eastern counties of England,
though an annual visitor to every suitable locality from north to south. The occurrence of this species
has been frequently reported in various couulies during the summer months, and it is probable that birds
weakened by wounds or other causes may occasionally be found after the Usual dale of their departure
has passed; in many instances, however, I am of opiuion that there has been some mi-take as to the species.
But a single statement that appears trustworthy has come to my knowledge; in this instance I was informed
by a Norfolk marshmaii that while attending a net in 1879, which he fished every morning, a Jack Snipe
was Bushed regularly fur ten days or a fortnight in the beginning of June, at a small sladc in the
marshes near Ileighatn Sounds: having passed his life in the district, the man was perfectly acquainted
with Snipes, " double," " whole," and Jack.
There is, so far as I am aware, no reliable in-tauee of the species remaining to breed in this country.
Judging by the entries in my notes, jotted down in many parts of England oud Scotland, the main body
of Jacks take their departure in March; still stragglers are to be seen in April. In 1861 and '02, and
again iu ISflt, I repeatedly met with a few couples in revensey Level in Sussex, early iu the month,
the Latest entry in my notes referring to this sj>ccies being dated April 18th, when a couple were
flushed on " Bamhorn Ponds." In reference to the late stay of the Jack iu the cast of Norfolk,
I find the following in my notes for l>7o :—'"April 88. Cold north wind, frequent squalls of snow and
hail. While looking over the traps set on the rondes ruuud the Suunds, a Jack Snipe was flushed; not
a single bird had been seen for the last two months. I learned, however, on the following day that a
keeper who had been hunting for Plover's eggs on the marshes near Hickling had put up at least two
or three score."
No great numbers show themselves before the beginning of October, and the larger flights arc seldom
encountered till a few weeks later iu the season. When living iu the west of Perthshire, 1 noticed for
two successive years that I he lirst couple uf Jack Snipe were found at a small rush-grown pool on the
low ground near the Lyon on the 20th of September. The third season I was anxious to ascertain if
the Jack had reached the glen at their accustomed date. The day being exceedingly wet and stormy, I
took no dogs with the exception of a retriever, old and steady. The rushes round the pool and a small
stream that ran front it wen- thoroughly explored without starting the expected Jack, ami at last I
turned back somewhat disappointed at the waul of success. Before proceeding many yards, my attention
was attracted by the retriever shoving her nose into my hand, and on looking down I discovered old Nell
was carrying a Jack in her mouth. As she had not stirred from my heels, it was evident the bird must
have been walked over. Thinking that probably this Snipe was not alone, I returned at once, and bunting