704 Snipe - Shooting. 



not hold more than an ounce of No. 12 shot; for this bird is 

 easily killed, and, as it is so small, and often rises at a consider- 

 able distance, it is important that as many of the leaden pellets 

 as possible should be sent after it. Rubber boots reaching to the 

 hip are, of course, necessary, and the clothing should be gray or 

 brown in color, — inconspicuous, at all events. The places in which 

 the snipe are found are often resorted to by some species of our 

 ducks as well. The little pools and creeks, which are sure to be 

 found in extensive snipe marshes, furnish food for the blue and 

 green winged teal, the black duck, mallard, baldpate, and wood- 

 duck. It will therefore be advisable for one who is about to 

 visit such grounds to put in his pocket half a dozen cartridges, 

 loaded with three and a half drams of powder and an ounce of No. 

 8 shot ; for although No. 1 2 may prove effective against the ducks 

 at short range, it is well to be prepared for longer shots. 



As between woodcock and English snipe, the preference would 

 be given with but few dissenting voices to the larger bird. Snipe- 

 shooting, from the erratic movements of the bird, is something that 

 cannot be depended on, while, if the conditions of weather and 

 feeding- grounds are favorable, one may count with some certainty 

 at the proper season on having sport with the woodcock. As 

 regards delicacy of flavor, there is nothing to choose between the 

 two. For birds so nearly related they are wonderfully unlike in 

 appearance and habits, and the snipe is certainly much better able 

 to take care of himself than his rusty-coated cousin. 



EGG OF WILSON S SNIPE. 



