52 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



into a tuft of grass or a bunch of brakes, even if caught 

 on the open hill-side, thereby giving to the novice the 

 idea that it is killed or badly wounded. 



But put no faith in these antics, for unless well 

 skilled in the manner of its flight and lighting, you will 

 be deceived, and upon rushing up to gather the bird to 

 bag, find only a strong pair of wings whistling in mock- 

 ery at your eagerness, as with a sudden spring it is away 

 for the cover. 



Although the woodcock springs from its resting-place, 

 when startled, with rapid, vigorous, and not too graceful 

 wings, yet, when it lights in a moderately open spot, its 

 action is as graceful as a falling leaf; its wings fan the 

 air for a moment, its slender legs drop down and gently 

 touch their resting-place, and the bird squats slowly to 

 the ground, or, the spot not being favorable, runs a few 

 rods before finding rest. Again, it will suddenly turn, as, 

 if losing its balance, and dart to the ground with half- 

 closed wings, lying wherever it pitches until routed by 

 the pursuer. I say the ground, as woodcock never light 

 upon trees or fences another of their eccentricities. 



To hunt these birds successfully, one must thor- 

 oughly understand their habits, know the time of their 

 coming and going, and the grounds they frequent at cer- 

 tain seasons, whether wet or dry. It is not chance that 

 keeps half a dozen or more birds resting for several Octo- 

 ber days along a stretch of moss-covered rocks shaded by 

 pines and maples, for down in that interval the soil has 

 been turned up moist and fresh by the farmer's plow, the 

 feed then is delicious, and those scattered trees afford 

 sufficient cover. It is not chance that brings to that hill- 

 side of birches, pines, and hemlocks these dreamy-eyed 

 birds in autumn weather, for here and there, by tiny 

 springs that moisten the surrounding soil, enriched by 

 the mold of fallen leaves, they find good feeding. You, 



