WOODCOCK SHOOTING. 85 



bill, as well as the black tint on the back being 

 less intense. 



But although you have not been able to de- 

 tect this fact, and cannot give a decided opinion, 

 yet reasoning from analogy, and from the circum- 

 stance of the male bird having been seen in 

 close proximity, it is fair to infer that while the 

 hen is abroad in search of food, more especially 

 at night, her partner takes her place. 



There is good reason to suppose, however, 

 that her absence is but short, barely long enough 

 to satisfy the cravings of nature, and that she is 

 by far the greater portion of the time on the 

 nest. 



A little later in the season you are walking in 

 the same woods. In a mossy and moist spot, 

 shaded by the boughs of some gigantic tree, a 

 bird suddenly flutters up and falls within a few 

 feet to the right or left of your path. It is your 

 woodcock; but never heed her now; be not 

 duped by her innocent stratagems ; bid Ponto 

 come to a "down charge;" step carefully over 

 the ground in every direction but that in which 

 the pretended cripple would lead you : sharpen 

 your eyes until you seem to see like a fly : aha! 

 you have them now ; the rogues have chipped 

 the shell; one, two, three; arid see, covered like 

 G 



