CHAPTER VIII. 



SNIPE SHOOTING. WILSON'S SNIPE JACK SNIPE. 

 {Scolopax Wilsonii?) 



When Spring time comes, in the month of May, 



And warm rain, and southern winds have driven the frost away, 



With faithful setter, we hie us to the swamps, 



To find Jack Snipe, in his favorite haunts. 



Twisting and turning, against the wind he flies, 

 " Scaipe ! " " Scaipe ! " 'he calls, with grating cries. 

 Then steadies himself, and darts ahead. 

 A quick report, and the bird falls dead. 



WILSON'S SNIPE, generally known as the " Jack- 

 snipe," is a bird familiar to every one who ever hunted 

 over western waters, in the valleys of the Mississippi 

 or Missouri. He is as regular in his arrival as the sea- 

 sons ; spring and fall he makes his appearance with 

 never failing accuracy. To those who are versed in the 



