SXIPE-SIIOOTING 829 



The season at wliicli tlie great snipe i& generally met with 

 here is in autumn, and for the most part in September : tlie 

 greater part of those obtained are young birds of the year ; 

 and from this species being known to breed in high northern 

 latitudes, these autumnal visitants are seen while on their 

 route to their more southern winter-quarters. Their course 

 both in spring and in autumn is considered by Mr. Selby to 

 be generally to the east of the longitude of the British 

 islands, and it is well known that only one instance is on 

 record of that bird being shot in Ireland ; and in England 

 they are most frequent in the eastern counties. 



The spring cry of the great snipe commences with a sound 

 resembling the smack of the tongue, and thereafter four or 

 five louder follow. It never has been known to breed on the 

 British isles. The whole length of the bird is about twelve 

 inches ; the weight from seven to nine ounces, depending on 

 age and sex. The females are longer than the males. 



Mr. Lloyd says, when shooting in Sweden, " The double 

 or solitary snipes, are always found singly, or at most in pairs. 

 These birds are usually so fat in autumn as apparently to be 

 hardly able to fly ; indeed, when flushed, they generally pro- 

 ceed but a short distance before they settle again ; their 

 flight is heavy and steady, and they present the easiest mark 

 possible. Four couple was the greatest number of these 

 birds that I ever killed in Sweden in one day. They were 

 by no means plentiful in the vicinity of Gothenburg." But 

 from the account given by Mr. Greiff", it may be inferred that 

 Mr. Lloyd was not favourably situated ; for he says, " the 

 double snipe is a bird of passage in Sweden, and amongst 

 those which arrive the latest.'^ At the end of the month of 

 July, when the meadows are mowed, the shooting of these 

 birds with the pointer commences, and continues until towards 

 the end of September. In the whole round of sporting this 



