# The Pipe; The Snipe explained — How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts

> Chapter companion for How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts by Robert Williams Wood.

## What happens

This short chapter contrasts the hybrid Indian Pipe with the high-bred English Snipe, highlighting the Snipe's superior pedigree as a distinguishing feature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Classification

The chapter contrasts a plant (Indian Pipe) and a bird (English Snipe), focusing on their classification as hybrid versus high-bred.

### Humor and Absurdity

The absurd comparison of a pipe and a snipe, with a pun on 'pedigree,' adds a humorous tone.

## Key lines

> Observe the hybrid Indian Pipe, Likewise the high‑bred English Snipe, Who is distinguished, as we see, By his superior pedigree.

Look at the mixed-breed Indian Pipe and the purebred English Snipe; the Snipe stands out because of its better lineage.

_The paraphrase clarifies the contrast between hybrid and high-bred, emphasizing pedigree as the key distinction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters/the-pipe-the-snipe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters