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of July, or as soon as their dogs can find a bird to point, notwith- 

 standing a fine is imposed for every bird found in their possession, 

 when out of season.* 



When flushed, the Woodcock rises to the height of the bushes or 

 undergrowth, and quickly drops behind them again, usually run- 

 ning a short distance as soon as it touches the ground. Being very 

 tender but little force is required to kill it, and as it presents only 

 a momentary mark, none but practised sportsmen can succeed. 



I once heard a gentleman boast of having a day of fine sport in 

 cover, which was so close, that in the ordinary mode of shooting 

 from the shoulder, he could not have bagged a bird. He shot 

 from the hip — a mode but little practised among us. I have 

 heard sportsmen assert that they have shot three species of Wood- 

 cock. These differnces are attributable to sex and age. 



The whistling noise when rising, is produced by the action of its 

 ' wings. Its note is a sudden quack, which is not often heard except 

 in spring, when at that season toward dusk it mounts in the air, 

 uttering whistling notes, which are continued till a late hour du- 

 ring evening. In its habits, it is said to be allied to the European 

 Woodcock. On comparing the two species, I find the European 

 bird to be much larger, with the lower pans dull yellowish-white, 

 and barred with black ; while those parts of our bird are light 

 red without the black markings. 



In England, I am informed that during the season of Woodcock 

 shooting if a good sportsman procure a brace in a day, it is consid- 

 ered fair sport ; while with us, from six to eight brace would be 

 thought moderate shooting. The season for shooting Woodcock 

 in England is during the winter months. Early in the spring it 

 moves off to the northern part of the continent, where it breeds. 

 With us the Woodcock remains until late in autumn, when it mi- 

 grates southward. Near Jamaica, Long Island, in wet, springy 

 places, a few have been seen iri the months of December and Jan- 

 uary. During the season of incubation, the males associate apart 

 from the females, and I do not think they pair. 



* "No person shall brincr into any market or sell or offer or expose for sale 

 any Woodcock, in any market or other place in the city of New York, between 

 ths first day of February and the first day of July in any year, under the penalty 

 of ten dollars for each offence." — City Ordinance. 



