92 ON THE WING. 



American and English Woodcock. 



The American woodcock are much smaller than the 

 English, averaging about one third less in size and 

 weight. The English bird averages some twelve ounces 

 in weight, while the American is seldom found to ex- 

 ceed eight or nine ounces. I once killed an Ameri- 

 can cock, which "was, to all appearance, twice as large 

 as any that I had ever before shot : and I have, in the 

 course of my experience, killed a good many. Hang- 

 ing by the neck he looked nearly as large as a young 

 partridge two-thirds grown. I did not weigh him, but 

 showed him to several old sportsmen, who thought 

 him a veritable wonder, double the size of the ordinary 

 American bird. 



The nest of the English cock contains four eggs, 

 which are of a dull white color with brown spots. 

 Some English writers state that they have positive 

 knowledge that the mother bird will carry away her 

 young when danger threatens, as well as take them 

 from dry lying-up places to soft feeding-grounds, and 

 back again. If true, these are quite remarkable char- 

 acteristics, especially when we consider the size and 

 weight of the birds. 



Scandinavian Woodcock. 



Throughout Scandinavia woodcock are found in 

 plentiful numbers. In Sweden and Norway they are 

 extensively hunted, and their habits and characteristics 

 have been in many respects carefully noted. The va- 



