the Woodcock in Ireland. 343 



were heard, when a pair swept past within about thirty yards, 

 uttering the two calls before described, and in the order in 

 which they have been set down. From this time, and until 

 half an hour had elapsed — when it was in vain to attempt 

 seeing them — several were heard, and all, I think, single birds, 

 which gave utterance only to the other call stated to resemble 

 in sound the word hisp quickly uttered. 



The description of the habits of these birds about the period 

 of incubation, given by the gamekeeper at Tullamore Park, 

 strongly reminded me of the first good account I had read of 

 them, which is contained in a highly interesting notice of the 

 breeding of woodcocks in Ross-shire, communicated by Sir 

 F. Mackenzie to the Zoological Society of London*. The 

 manner of flight is so different after the birds are paired, from 

 what the sportsman is accustomed to witness at other periods, 

 that I am induced to call attention to the similarity of testi- 

 mony in the two cases. " Than the flight of the woodcock 

 before and after incubation, Sir F. Mackenzie states that he 

 knows nothing more rapid, as for an hour or two about dusk 

 he (probably the male, though two have been seen pursuing 

 each other) flies in large circles over the tops of the trees." 

 To a sportsman, at least, words could not better convey an 

 idea of the velocity of its flight than those of my informant, 

 who, an experienced " shot," describes it to be such on these 

 occasions that he cannot " get his gun upon them," or in 

 other words, if the uninitiated require explanation, a velocity 

 so great as to prevent his taking aim. 



In a communication made by my friend Mr. Selby to the 

 ' Magazine of Zoology and Botany/ on " the woodcock 

 breeding in Scotland/ 5 it is asked, " What reason is to be as- 

 signed for this change in their habits ? Is it to be attributed 

 to a change in our seasons, or are we to look for it in the 

 great increase of woods or plantations so general over all the 

 island, affording these birds additional and secure retreats, 

 as well as an abundant and constant supply of food?" vol. i. 

 p. 201 . Although it is not for me to attempt an explanation 

 of that, respecting which Mr. Selby appears dubious, it may 

 perhaps be allowed me to offer a few observations on the most 

 * Proceedings of Zool. Society, 1832, Part II. p. 133. 



