146 KEMINISCEXCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



ferent from that of the large woodcock. The largest 

 kind generally arrive before the small ones. Their 

 flight is not so quick as that of the latter. They 

 have more small feathers about the head, especially in 

 the lower part. The small ones reach this country in 

 the middle or latter end of November ; their heads 

 have a darker plumage, and the bill not so long. 

 They do not lie so well as the large, and in high cover 

 make quick and sharp turns, like the snipe, amongst 

 the boughs, and are therefore more difficult shots. 



I scarcely know a more beautiful country than that 

 situated on the banks of the Blackwater, in which river 

 there is one of the best salmon fisheries in Ireland, the 

 property of the Duke of Devonshire, which at that time 

 was rented to the serjeant of a yeomanry corps at 1200?. 

 per annum. On one occasion I remained at a small inn 

 at Capoquin in the spring for six weeks, having been 

 sent there by the late Greneral Sir John Floyd to search 

 for arms, as several atrocious murders had lately been 

 committed in the mountain districts. During this time 

 the yeomanry corps in the district were put on perma- 

 nent duty ; bvit notwithstanding all our researches we 

 seldom found any, as the peasantry never had them 

 concealed about their houses or premises. Salmon might 

 be purchased at Capoquin at fourpence per pound, and 

 in a fortnight or three weeks I got thoroughly satiated of 

 this delicious fish. The cider made in this district is 

 excellent, and is the common beverage of the peasantry. 



Half a centur}^ ago woodcocks were far more nume- 

 rous in Ireland than at the present time. This may be 

 accounted for in various ways. It is well known that 

 in the northern parts of Europe where these birds breed, 

 the eggs are considered a luxury hj the higher classes. 



