The wood-cock inhabits the northern countries 

 during summer, and migrate to Britain in flocks in 

 October and November. 



The time of their arrival is said to depend much 

 upon the prevailing winds, and it is observed that 

 they seldom arrive before sunset ; they return again 

 northward in February or March, always pairing 

 before they set out, A few have been bred in Eng- 

 land. 



They build their nests at the root of a tree. 



The female lays 4 or 5 eggs, of a rusty colour, 

 marked with brown spots. 



2. MAJOR. GREAT SNIPE. 



Sc. nigro maculata supra testacea subtus albida, 

 linea verticis testacea, alter a utrinqm nigra. 

 Lath. 



The crown of the head is black, divided down the 

 middle by a pale stripe ; the neck and breast are 

 yellowish white, with semicircular black lines ; the 

 back is testaceous ; the sides are waved with black ; 

 the tail is rust colour ; the legs are black. 



Weight Soz. length 16 inches. 



This is a rare species ; we have seen one specimen 

 killed in Orkney, December, 1819. 



