280 BIRDS OF NORFOLK. 
The seasons of 1815-16, 1816-17, 1828-29, 1829-30, 
and 1838-39, seem to have been of unusual scarcity ; 
while those of 1817-18, 1825-26, 1834-35, 1843-44, and 
1849-50 have been of abundance to a greater or less 
degree. 
In the days when “glade nets ” stretched across the 
openings, or “cock roads” in the woods were exten- 
sively used for taking them during their evening flight, 
and springes and snares were alike fatal in their marshy 
feeding grounds, there is no question that this species 
was extremely abundant; and of this we have also 
additional evidence from the small sums which they 
formerly fetched in the market* allowing even for the 
difference in the present value of money, whilst their 
excellence as a table delicacy+ was as fully appreciated 
then as now. The causes of their diminution, how- 
ever, must be looked for rather in other countries than 
our own, and whilst two such authorities as Mr. Lloyd 
* In the Duke of Buckingham’s “ Household Book,” 1507, 
eight woodcocks cost eightpence, and sixteen ditto sixteen-pence. 
In the “Household Accounts” of the Lord North (time of . 
Henry the VIII.), it is ordered “that woodcokes be hade for my 
Lordes own Mees and non other, and to be at j4- a pece or j4- ob. 
(13d.) at the moste,” the same price as lapwings and sea gulls, 
whilst pheasants, bitterns, and curlews were then a shilling each, 
spoonbills sixpence, quails and partridges twopence, and snipes 
three fora penny. In the L’Estrange “ Accounts,” also, we find an 
entry in the year 1520, of three woodcocks purchased in Snettisham 
market for sixpence; and in 1522 of six purchased from John Long, 
of Ingoldisthorpe, for tenpence. 
+ In Willughby’s “Ornithology,” published by Ray (1628), 
occurs the following passage with respect to the woodcock :—* The 
flesh of this bird for the delicacy of its taste is in high esteem; ” 
and with special reference to the excellence of the leg, the author 
quotes the old “ English Rhythm”— 
“Tf the partridge had the woodcock’s thigh, 
T’would be the best bird that ever did fly.” 
