WOODCOCK SHOOTING. 325 



Wild-fowl are sometimes found in the same condition, and have 

 been taken in a similar manner during very severe weather ; but, 

 like my neighbour's woodcocks, they afford no sport to the wild- 

 fowl shooter, are useless for the table, and are therefore best set at 

 liberty. 



A good marker is indispensable for woodcock shooting, because 

 the birds often pitch in such improbable places as many sportsmen 

 would not think of beating ; and after being once flushed they some- 

 times lie so very close, that the most careful beating is necessary if 

 the sportsman expects to find them. It is desirable that the dogs 

 should not be hurried over the ground too quickly, or the probability 

 is that many a close-lying cock may be passed. And it should be 

 borne in mind that woodcocks, at the instant of alighting, some- 

 times run along the ground many yards from the spot at which 

 they pitch. 



Whilst beating a wood, one or more markers should be placed on 

 the highest ground in the locality, or on a tree commanding the 

 best view of the surrounding country : if he attends to his busi- 

 ness he will be able to mark the flight of every cock which leaves 

 the wood. 



On being flushed they make for the clearest openings, and soar as 

 high as the tops of the trees ; over which they fly in a straight line, 

 and often pitch on the opposite side of the covert ; they not un- 

 frequently make a circuit of the whole cover, and then drop close to, 

 or in, the same spot from whence they were sprung. The sportsman 

 will generally find the cocks at which he has been unable to obtain a 

 shot, in the same places on the day following as those from which they 

 were sprung the day previously. The practical sportsman will, there- 

 fore, judiciously station himself in or near an opening where he may 

 obtain the best chance. When fairly sprung they take the same route 

 of flight, passing the same openings, and topping the same trees as 

 before. Any person who may take the trouble to watch their evolu- 

 tions will soon become familiar with the sameness and regularity of 

 their course. If the sportsman goes on the following day, in the oppo- 

 site direction to that taken the day before, he will probably find that 

 the woodcock has likewise an opposite course of retreat. Familiarity 

 with such habits, which are peculiar to the woodcock, invariably en- 

 sures success to the sportsman ; after once or twice observing their 

 flight, a very fair idea may be formed as to the best position to take 

 on a future day. Sportsmen so instructed have a considerable 



