326 THE WILD-FOWLER. 



advantag-e over their fellows when beating large coverts, the route of 

 the birds flushed seldom deviating- from a once chosen passag-e 

 through the wood. 



This propensity on the part of woodcocks for taking a regular line 

 of flight has been the subject of remark by Mr. Colquhoun.* 



They always take care to be in a spot where there is either a clear 

 opening' above, or an open glade through which to fly and clear the 

 wood. 



The woodcock is generally considered an easy shot to an experi- 

 enced sportsman, but to a tyro very puzzling. Its flight is deceptive, 

 and varies considerably, according to time of day, season, and wind : 

 it is sometimes slow, and laboured -, at others rapid and direct, as if 

 bent on a determined destination. 



Notwithstanding these peculiarities, some of which would seem to 

 favour the sportsman's aim, there is no bird of equal proportions so 

 frequently missed, though flushed at the very feet of its pursuer ; 

 sometimes rising very awkwardly, and crossing through openings 

 within a few yards of his position, creating a temptation to fire often 

 too irresistible for an anxious man. 



It often happens that when a woodcock is first flushed, it 

 offers the fairest shot that could be desired ; when the sportsman 

 wishing to kill the bird cleanly, by taking time, loses the chance, as 

 the cock suddenly turns, and darts through a narrow opening among 

 trees, where it is impossible to obtain a view sufficiently clear to make 

 efi'ective use of the gun. 



More random shots are fired at these than at any other birds, 

 because of the uncertainty of their movements, and the eagerness to 

 get possession of so choice a prize. The remotest chance is instantly 

 embraced, and thus they are popped at through impenetrable brush- 

 wood, trees, and branches. The sportsman should closely watch 

 their flight in the openings, and shoot the instant a fair chance offers, 

 or he may lose it. 



When cock-shooting- in woods where the trees are loft}^, it is 

 generally advisable to shoot before the bird rises so high as the 

 branches. The sooner aim can be taken the better ; but when the 



* " The extreme regularity of the woodcock's flight has been proved to me even 

 after putting him up a second time. We flushed one in the Kihnun coverts out of 

 reach. He flew straight for a bit of marshy ground : some woodcutters were at 

 work there, and prevented his settling. In a short time we noticed him come back, 

 and light close to the same spot where he was first put up." — Rocks and Rivers, 

 p. 145. 



