EEMINISOENCES OF THE LEWS. 177 



contemplate when passing over unlikely places, 

 and grateful that God has given you such a 

 beautiful creation to gaze on, and health and 

 strength and mind to enjoy and ponder over 

 its never-ending lessons. 



Now one thing you must always study in 

 this sport — the weather about daylight. The 

 woodcock feeds, except when the weather is 

 very bad, at night; and with the twilight, 

 according to the then weather, he takes up his 

 abode for the day. If open, misty, drizzling, 

 he will be found in the most exposed places, 

 squatted flat, like a toad on a rock, or among 

 stones ; if downright wet, often under a large 

 stone or bank which keeps the drip from him, 

 which, either in or out of covert, he cordially 

 hates ; if cold dry weather and cold wind, he 

 likes the shelter of thick heather and rock ; if 

 the whole night has been wet and stormy, 

 there is no knowing where to find him. 

 Bearing this in mind, take to your ground 

 accordingly, and leave the dogs to them- 

 selves. 



'' Come, Mr. Tom, none of your swinging 

 casts after grouse yet, if you please ; just try 

 these httle hillocks round that swampy ground. 

 Ah ! I thought so; and your stern down too." 

 And up gets a woodcock, like an owl as he 



