82 KRIDER'S SPORTING ANECDOTES. 







bush, or a decayed stump, you see, within reach 

 of your hand, the woodcock brooding on her 

 nest. 



By Jove ! here is a discovery. You almost 

 feel as if you had stumbled upon one of nature's 

 inscrutible secrets. 



The old pointer is as steady as a statue ; the 

 wild bird seems wonderfully tame ; there is no 

 need to speak or to stir ; you may sit and gaze 

 your fill on that solitary spot. 



What a rare and exquisite proof of the triumph 

 of maternal instinct is here ! 



How innocently calm how replete with pa- 

 tient tranquillity, the large black eyes meet your 

 eager gaze how quiet the wild thing sits, every 

 dusky brown quill and marbled feather in its 

 place, and the long, grooved bill resting on the 

 breast ! 



So full of abiding trust is the creature's cra- 

 dled look, that, lost in admiration at her appa- 

 parent unconcern, you scarcely think of the 

 eggs concealed in the nest beneath. It is as if 

 she had assumed that artless, unshrinking air 

 on purpose to beguile you of the treasures, 

 which, day and night, she so sedulously guards. 

 You may even put forth your hand and touch 

 her wing, and she will not shrink ; but if by any 



