Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Ruff

RUFF, or Tringa pugnax, L. a bird of passage, frequenting the fens of Lincolnshire, and various other parts of Britain, early in the spring; and disappearing about Michaelmas.

Towards the latter end of March, or early in April, Ruffs, for a short time, visit Martin Mere, in Lancashire; where they are taken in clap-nets, to the number of 40 or 50 dozen in a season; and fattened for the table: the food commonly employed, is bread and milk, hemp-seed, boiled wheat, and sugar: thus, in about a fortnight they become extremely fat; and are generally sold at 2s. and 2s. 6d. each. Being of an irascible disposition, it is erroneously supposed that these birds must be fed in dark places; lest, on the admission of light, they should destroy each other by combat.

Ruffs are dressed for the table, with their intestines, like snipes; and, when killed at the critical time, are by epicures considered the most delicious of morsels.