The Knot 367 



tlieir allotted food, which consists of very small insects 

 found in the moist ground. 



" The Woodcock's early visit and abode 

 Of long continuance, in our temperate clime, 

 Foretell a liberal harvest." PHILIPS. 



THE KNOT, (Tringa Canutw,) 



Is a small bird, whose head and back are of a dusky ash- 

 colour, or dark grey ; while the lower part of the body 

 is pure white, or white varied by black lines. The sides 

 under the wings are spotted with brown. The bird weighs 

 about four ounces and a half, and generally makes its 

 appearance in Lincolnshire in the beginning of winter, 

 and abides there for two or three months, after which 

 they fly off in flocks. They are caught in great numbers 

 by nets, into which they are decoyed by carved wooden 

 figures, painted to represent themselves, and placed 

 within them, much in the same way as the ruff. When 

 the knot is fat, its flesh is considered excellent food. It 

 is also fattened for sale, and then considered equal to the 

 ruff in flavour. The season for taking it is from August 

 to November, after which the frost compels it to dis- 

 appear. This bird is said to have been a favourite dish 

 with Canute the Great ; and Camden observes that its 

 name is derived from his Knute, or Knout, as he was 

 called which, in process of time, has been changed to 

 Knot. 



