154 REMINISCEXCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



The woodcock takes little pains in ttie formation of 

 its nest, which is on the ground, usually composed of 

 dried leaves and fibres, and protected in some measure 

 by the stump or root of a tree. The eggs, about four 

 or five in number, are larger than those of a pigeon, 

 and of a rufous grey, marked vfith dusky blotches. (A 

 specimen of the eggs and nest, found at the Earl of 

 Cork's, near Frome, in Somersetshire, is in the Leverian 

 museum.) The young run as soon as they are hatched, 

 but as they are unable for some time to provide them- 

 selves with food the old birds perform this task for 

 them. Several specimens of the variety of plumage 

 of woodcocks is to be seen in the Leverian museum. 



"NATiere the woodcocks remain, as the spring ap- 

 proaches, they may be seen flying in pairs in the morn- 

 ing and evening, and they then may be heard making 

 a small piping noise, which is not heard during the 

 ■^\int€r. 



Mr. St- John says, " In the woods of Altyre and Darna- 

 way (Scotland), as well as in all other extensive planta- 

 tions in the country, during the whole spring and 

 summer, I see the woodcocks flying to and fro every 

 evening in considerable numbers. As early as six or 

 seven they begin to fly, uttering their curious cry, which 

 resembles more the croak of a frog than anything else, 

 varied, however, by a short, shrill chirp. In the even- 

 ing the woodcock's flight is rapid and steady, instead of 

 being uncertain and owl-like, as it is often in the bright 

 sunshine. I consider their vision to be peculiarly 

 adapted to the twilight, and even to the darker hours 

 of night, this being the birds' feeding time." 



