Another bit of folk-lore about the nightjar is that it gave calves a
disease called puckeridge; and on this account country folk still call
this innocent but unfortunate bird the puckeridge. The disease, in
fact, was caused by an insect which laid eggs on the backs of cattle,
whence emerged grubs to cause the skin to pucker. The nightjar may
often be seen wheeling about cattle, for the reason, no doubt, that
the animals attract insects and disturb moths. Possibly for the same
reason the nightjar, instead of flying away from human beings, will
flit near about, keeping just in front of a walking man. Among other
curious names is "razor-grinder." We met a countryman who only knew
the nightjar by this name, derived from the noise made by itinerant
razor-grinders at work.
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