The Woodpigeon or Ringdove. 47 



and go about the country in immense flocks, which 

 are not entirely composed of English-bred specimens, 

 but are, no doubt, largely augmented by birds 

 immigrating from the Continent. These great flocks 

 do a large amount of damage to the crops, and on 

 this account the birds are much sought after, as well 

 as for the flesh, which is, as a rule, excellent eating. 

 At the season when turnip- tops form their chief food, 

 an exception must be made to this statement, as 

 then the flesh has a disagreeable flavour. 



It is no easy matter, however, to obtain these birds 

 in the autumn and winter, so shy and wary do they 

 become. Many contrivances, such as decoy birds, 

 and whistles, are used by the gunner to bring them 

 within range of his shot as he lies hidden in some 

 ambush. Stalking the birds is also sometimes 

 employed, but the best way of obtaining them is to 

 stand towards evening in some wood, in which they 

 regularly roost. Just before dusk the flocks come 

 in, and as they circle over the trees, gradually coming 

 lower and lower, many may be shot, for, strange to say, 

 the rest, which are circling round, do not fly away at 

 the sound of the gun or the fall of their comrades. 



The plaintive note of the Woodpigeon or Cushat, 

 as it is often called, may be heard at all times of the 

 day in the neighbourhood it frequents. The syllable 

 " coo "uttered slowly three times, then once quickly. 



