The Woodcock 243 



though in the latter case it is far easier to predict with any 

 certainty the spot chosen by the long-billed bird. Their 

 habits are, however, very variable, and every sportsman 

 will frequently find his pet theories upset by the elusive 

 bird. Often we find them where least expected, and it is 

 common indeed to see it rise close to our feet when both 

 barrels have been uselessly expended on some furtive 

 bunny dodging in the heather. 



The migrations of snipe are more regular, and, though 

 likewise affected by severe weather, their arrival can be 

 foretold with greater accuracy. From the end of Sep- 

 tember till the beginning of December snipe appear in 

 these islands, but as regards their habits, the above 

 remarks about 'cock are to a great extent applicable. The 

 same feeding-grounds are chosen, but whereas the wood- 

 cock prefers a dry bed during the day, the snipe still 

 remains in the marshes, and rests on some tuft of rushes 

 rising above the surface of the water. It is almost need- 

 less to state that snipe should, where possible, be walked 

 up down-wind, except during frost, when the opposite 

 manoeuvre will be found most successful. Snipe, like 

 woodcock, are perfectly equipped by nature for their mode 

 of life, and can best be studied in their natural surround- 

 ings — far from Kensington or other abodes of stuffed 

 specimens. 



THE WOODCOCK. 



By the late Captain Horace Townshend. 



Of all the birds from over the sea 



Who flock when the cold north wind blows free, 



I hold the woodcock to be the king, 



With full bright eyes and brown, bent wing. 



Silently flitting across the ride, 



Sweeping — a flash — down the mountain side, 



Hiding beneath the holly tree, 



The brave old 'cock is the bird for me 



