88 FRANK FORESTER S FIELD SPORTS. 



the edge of the lower mandible, 2^ ; tarsus, 1t2 ; middle toe, 

 1,-%, its claw, I ; weight, 6tOz. 



" Adult Female. 



" The female, which is considerably larger, has the same co- 

 lors as the male. 



" Length to end of tail, llya ; to end of wings, 10t%; to end 

 of claws, ISrV ; wing, from flexure, 5i% ; tail, 2x2 ; bill along 

 the ridge, 2f| ; along the edge of lower mandible, 2h^ ; tarsus, 

 1t2 ; middle toe, li%; its claw, i ; weight, 8^oz. 



" Fledged young. 



" When fully fledged, similar to the old birds." — Audubon'' s 

 Birds of America. 



" This bird is universally known to our sportsmen. It arrives 

 in Pennsylvania early in March — sometimes sooner — and, I 

 doubt not, in mild winters, some few remain with us the whole 

 of that season. 



" During the day they keep to the woods and thickets, and at 

 the approach of evening seek the high and open country places 

 to feed in. They soon disperse themselves over the country to 

 breed. About the beginning of July, particularly in long-conti- 

 nued hot weather, they descend to the marshy shores of our 

 large rivers, their favorite springs and watery recesses inland 

 being chiefly dried up. To the former of these retreats they 

 are pursued by the merciless sportsman, flushed by dogs, and 

 shot down in great numbers. This species of amusement, when 

 eagerly followed, is still more laborious than Snipe-shooting ; 

 and, from the nature of the ground, or " cripple," as it is usually 

 called — viz., deep mud intersected with old logs, which are co- 

 vered and hid from sight by high reeds, weeds, and alder 

 bushes — the best dogs are soon tired out, and it is customary 

 with sportsmen who regularly pursue this diversion, to have two 

 sets of dogs to relieve each other alternately. 



" The Woodcock usually begins to lay in April. The nest is 

 placed on the ground, in a retired part of the woods, frequently 

 at the root of an old stump. It is formed of a few withered 



