This conjecture I
hazard, as I have never met with any one that has seen them in
England in the winter. I believe they are not fond of going near the
water, but feed on earth-worms, that are common on sheep-walks
and downs. They breed on fallows and lay-fields abounding with
grey mossy flints, which much resemble their young in colour;
among which they skulk and conceal themselves. They make no
nest, but lay their eggs on the bare ground, producing in common
but two at a time. There is reason to think their young run soon
after they are hatched; and that the old ones do not feed them, but
only lead them about at the time of feeding, which, for the most
part, is in the night.' Thus far my friend.
In the manners of this bird you see there is something very
analogous to the bustard, whom it also somewhat resembles in
aspect and make, and in the structure of its feet.
For a long time I have desired my relation to look out for these
birds in Andalusia; and now he writes me word that, for the first
time, he saw one dead in the market on the 3rd of September.
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