The Snipes. 433 



interval between each tour and retour^ 

 which is more observable in the evening, 

 when it goes and returns three several 

 times. The first time it always flies high, 

 and generally with rapidity; the second, 

 its flight is but httle above the tree-tops, 

 and commonly slower; the third time 

 still nearer the ground, and yet more 

 leisurely ; but it is then, especially in 

 early spring, too dark to take proper aim. 

 One ought, therefore, always to fire when 

 it makes its appearance for the second 

 time." 



When flying about in this extraordinary 

 manner, the plumage is puffed out and 

 the flight is rather slow. 



The Wood-Cock has another peculiar 

 habit. The female, and probably the 

 male also, carry the young birds about, 

 one by one, either to remove them from 

 danger, or to take them to neighbouring 

 feeding-grounds. The young bird is 

 grasped between the thighs, and is further 

 held in position by the pressure of the 

 bill of the parent bird and by the feet. 



Professor H. Littledale witnessed an 

 instance of this habit of the Wood-Cock 

 in Chamba. He says : — " To my delight, 

 up flew a woodcock about five yards from 

 me. She had a young one — the men 



VOL. II. 28 



