108 WOODCOCK. 



stripe of deep brown; another line of the same passes through 

 the eyes to the hind-head, curving under the eye; from the back 

 to the rudiments of the tail runs another of the same tint, and 

 also on the sides under the wings; the throat and breast are con- 

 siderably tinged with rufous; and the quills, at this age, are just 

 bursting from their light blue sheaths, and appear marbled as in 

 the old birds; the legs and bill are of a pale purplish ash colour, 

 the latter about an inch long. When taken, they utter a long, 

 clear, but feeble, peep, not louder than that. of a mouse. They 

 are far inferior to young Partridges in running and skulk- 

 ing; and should the female unfortunately be killed, may easily 

 be taken on the spot. 





