64 On the Ornithology of Wilts \Scolopacidm\. 



1830, but the larger part retire to more northern and more secluded 

 localities. It loves open glades, and moist ground in woods, 

 and is not therefore often seen in the down districts. Occasion- 

 ally, as I learn from Mr. Stratton, of Gore Cross, who is a keen 

 observer of birds, as well as from my friend Mr. William Tanner, 

 of Rockley, it is to be met with in our more exposed covers on the 

 bills. But the moister climate of Ireland seems to have attractions 

 for the Woodcocks which this couhtry does not hold out, for we 

 learn from Mr. Knox's admirable book that " forty couple is 

 frequently the result of one days sport in the Emerald Isle."^ And 

 yet this ia as nothing compared to the immense quantities which 

 are obtained in the evergreen woods and swamps of the Greek 

 coast and Ionian Islands, as we may gather from Lord Lilford's 

 graphic account in the Ibis.^ The Woodcock is a nocturnal feeder, 

 as might be inferred from its immense, full, dark, bright, and very 

 prominent eyes, which are also placed very far back in the head, 

 and give the bird a singular staring appearance. Unlike its 

 congeners it seeks the retirement of woods during the day, only 

 emerging at twilight or dusk to its feeding places in swampy 

 ground. Its flight is perfectly noiseless, and very rapid, and it is 

 marvellous how quickly and accurately it will thread its way 

 through the thick branches of the trees, and very soon it will close 

 its wings, and suddenly drop into any tempting cover, and then 

 run to shelter into any rank grass, or thick underwood it can find. 

 It is a solitary bird, and seldom associates with its fellows. Its 

 plumage is peculiarly rich, of a deep brown colour, barred and 

 spotted, and crossed with black or very dark brown. 



"Great Snipe." {Scolopax major). I have little doubt that 

 this species is often confused with its commoner relative, and 

 mistaken for a large specimen of S. gallinago; while fine individuals 

 of that bird have undoubtedly in their turn equally been hailed as 

 8. major. Since however the attention of naturalists has been 

 directed to the points in which these species differ, the Great Snipe 

 is found to be sparingly scattered over the country every autumn ; 

 > Game Birds and Wild Fowl, p. 50. 



*Ibis for 1860, vol. ii., pp. 340—342. See also Thompson's Natural History 

 of Ireland, vol. ii., p. 242. 



