MIGRATION. 197 



frequently by the way. Hence, whilst migration lasts, 

 wliicli is commonly for thi'ee or four weeks, there is a 

 constant change of visitors in the woods ; for no sooner 

 has one batch moved farther south, than another takes 

 its place. When those that are bound for Scotland 

 strike the west coast, it is probable that they at once 

 cross the North Sea ; hut those whose destination is 

 England and Ireland, it is believed, gradually edge down 

 to the south of Sweden, as far, in sliort, as they can follow 

 the land, before finally departing for our shores. 



The late Bishop Stanley, in his very interesting work, 

 " Familiar History of Birds," when speaking of the 

 migrations of the Woodcock, says : " On their first reach- 

 ing the eastern coast of England they are usually lean, 

 poor, and often in a scurvy condition ; but that this is not 

 attributable to exhaustion on the voyage, is proved by 

 the fact that those which are killed in Norway before 

 migration bas taken place are already found to be in an 

 emaciated state, and infected witb vermin." In this 

 statement there must surely be mistake. That owing 

 to baffling winds, and a long and stormy passage, the 

 birds, in crossing the North Sea, may lose flesh, I can well 

 understand ; but that they should start from Scandinavia 

 in the miserable plight spoken of is quite beyond my com- 

 prehension, because those shot by myself on the western 

 coast of Sweden just prior to their departure — and they 

 are numerous — were, as a rule, in excellent condition. 



The return of the Woodcocks to Scandinavia in the 

 spring also agrees with their departure from our shores.* 

 They make their appearance in Scania towards the end of 

 March or beginning of April, at first in scanty numbers, 



* We in England believe that these birds revisit the selfsame localities 

 year after year, and the same belief exists in the Peninsula ; but I am not 

 aware of the fact having been iii-o\cd b}' actual experiment — I mean by 

 marking the \Voodc<jek. 



