314 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
severe cold, they descend into the plains, and reach France and 
England about the month of November. ‘They are shy, timid birds, 
and conceal themselves by day in the depths of the most retired 
woods. ‘The brightness of daylight appears to dazzle them, for they 
do not possess full power of their visual faculties until evening, 
when they emerge from their retreats, to seek their sustenance of 
worms and grubs, in the cultivated fields, damp meadows, or vicinity 
of springs. 
Woodcocks (Fig. 122), are not all migratory, some remaining 
Fig. 122..—Wocdcocks (White and Isabelle-coloured). 
throughout the year in the neighbourhood of such springs as do not 
freeze. Solitary at other times, they pair in spring, building their nest 
on the ground with grass and roots, placing it close to the trunk of 
some tree (the Scotch fir by preference, it is said), or in a holly-bush. 
The female lays four or five oval eggs, rather larger than those of a 
pigeon. The young run about as soon as they are hatched ; the parent 
birds guard them with careful solicitude, and manifest on all occasions 
the greatest love for their offspring. If any danger threatens, the 
old birds catch up their progeny, holding them under their necks by 
means of their beaks, and thus transfer them to a place of safety. 
These birds seem to feel. an affection for places they have once 
frequented, so love to return to them; the following fact, at least, 
would lead one to think so. A gamekeeper, having snared a Wood- 
eat Aas. 
