CHAPTER XIV. 



SNIPE SHOOTING, 



Like the woodcock, the Snipe is a migratoiy bird, 

 also ; visiting us in autumn, and taking its leave in 

 spring. Like the woodcock, too, it abounds infinitely 

 more in Ireland than England : and, indeed, in many- 

 districts of the former, is the only bird the shooter has 

 to count upon, with the exception of the grouse and 

 the cock. The snipe, according to the old saw, " is 

 a good bird whenever you can get it ; " but it is not 

 correct, nevertheless, to shoot it before the grouse is 

 in season. In August a few are met on the moors — 

 they are always to be found in the bogs and on the 

 upland moors of Ireland ; but they are not fit to eat 

 before November. It is stated, and truly, that these 

 birds have retreated in this country before the march 

 of agricultural improvement, whose jjre?/ri€r jxis is 

 draining ; and the sport, which forms our present 

 subject, is to be had, in any perfection, in but veiy 

 few counties in England. Moreover, the snipe is 

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