234 Wild Birds and Their Haunts 



It is pleasing to be able to corroborate the testimony of 

 many sporting estate owners and gamekeepers, that the 

 habits of the woodcock have gradually been undergoing a 

 change to their advantage during the last decade or two. 

 In short, ' ' Scolopax rusticola " can no longer be described 

 as an autumnal immigrant only, but as an acclimatised 

 species likely to become a valuable asset of many English 

 and Scottish estates where properly cared for. 



In northern, eastern, and central districts it shows each 

 season a greater inclination to linger into the spring ; but, 

 unfortunately for the sporting western counties, the rule 

 seems to be more relaxed that the mass of immigrants 

 pass on thitherward. I view as a matter of correction the 

 opinion nowadays so frequently heard that there must be 

 some change in climatic conditions to account for the 

 growing attachment of these wanderers to our country. I, 

 for one, am persuaded that the climate has nowise changed 

 of late, but that woodcock are simply returning to their old 

 home because of the encouragement given by estate- 

 owners, gamekeepers and protectionists under a more 

 merciful regime. There can hardly be any doubt that, 

 with the help of tne general press, more and more good 

 work is being done to make their sojourn comfortable, 

 hence the reason of so many broods reared on British soil. 



Wise sportsmen have learnt tnat tne ' ' pound of flesh " 

 is but a premature and a false gain. Moreover, high 

 authority recognises as important that no woodcock 

 should be shot after January has turned, since the oirds 

 commence pairing in February, and any persecution 

 during the second month of the year will sharply cause 

 their departure. Hence the circular addressed by the 

 Field Sports and Game Guild (with Lord Westbury as 

 chairman) to the various committees of the Wild Birds' 

 Protection Act under County Councils, calling attention 

 to the unsatisfactory regulations with respect to wood- 

 cock and their eggs. 



As considerable confusion arises out of the multiplicity 

 of orders and the inconsistency of dates even in counties 

 which adjoin, it is suggested that the Home Secretary 

 be petitioned to cancel all orders now in force, and, 



