442 SCOLOPACID^. 



fall in their way. In March they change their quarters 

 again, preparatory to quitting the country ; hence it often 

 happens that considerable numbers are seen at this season 

 in places where none had been observed during the 

 previous winter. They now have a call-note, though 

 before they have been quite mute : it is said by some to 

 resemble the syllables pitt-pitt-coor, by others to be very 

 like the croak of a frog. The French have invented the 

 verb croiller, to express it, and distinguish Woodcock 

 shooting by the name croille. Some sportsmen wisely 

 recommend that no Woodcock should be shot after the 

 middle of February ; for it has been ascertained that 

 numbers of these birds remain for the purpose of breeding 

 in this country ; and it is conjectured, with reason, that 

 if they were left undisturbed in their spring haunts, they 

 would remain in yet larger numbers. As it is, there are 

 few counties in England in which their nest has not been 

 discovered ; and there are some few localities in which it 

 is one of the pleasant sights of the evening, at all seasons 

 of the year, to watch the Woodcocks repairing from the 

 woods to their accustomed feeding-ground. 



The nest is built of dry leaves, principally of fern, and 

 placed among dead grass, in dry, warm situations, and 

 contains four eggs, which, unlike those of the Snipes, are 

 nearly equally rounded at each end. 



There have been recorded numerous instances in which 

 Woodcocks have been seen carrying their young through 

 the air in their claws ; so often, indeed, has the act been 

 witnessed, that it may, perhaps, be a habit of the bird, 

 rather than an extraordinary display of instinct evoked by 

 a sudden emergency. 



During its flight, the Woodcock invariably holds its 

 beak pointed in a direction towards the ground. Young 

 birds taken from the nest are easily reared ; and afford 

 much amusement by the skill they display in extracting 

 worms from sods with which they are supplied. 



I 



