Preparations for this are begun in the early spring by the assumption of what is called a “nuptial dress,” which is worn only by the male, and which contrasts in a very conspicuous manner with the plumage worn during the rest of the year. The most striking features of this dress are the great, erectile, Elizabethan ruff which encircles the neck immediately behind the head, and the long, tongue-shaped “ears” which surmount the head itself. These exhibit a most remarkable diversity in their coloration, and it is no exaggeration to say that no two are ever alike. Red, cream-colour, buff, black, white; spotted, streaked, freckled and barred are the only descriptions that can be applied to them, for the combinations of their hues and patterns seem infinite. Having grasped this fact, the eye next turns to the colouring of the rest of the body, and it will be found that here too is the same diversity, though less conspicuously so; and finally it will be noticed that at this time the feathers around the base of the beak have been replaced by yellow or orange-coloured papillæ. The females also now wear a dress differing from that of the so-called “winter plumage,” but it does not present any very striking features nor any form of ornamentation comparable to that of the males. The Ruff is a polygamous bird, which, in its display, presents some curious and puzzling features, one of which consists of a sort of tournament between rival males. At the break of day the performers, selecting such eminences as the fen-lands afford, assemble apparently to display their finery, for a couple of males will often stand facing one another with frills erected and beaks touching the ground, silent and immovable, for perhaps half a minute. Sooner or later, however, they will commence to spar, and this presently leads to blows, during which one of the combatants will attempt to seize the other by the wings. However, no damage seems to be inflicted during such encounters, which are by no means aimless or profitless, for during such bouts the weaker, less vigorous birds are driven from the field, and the victor in consequence wins for himself a larger harem.