COCK-SHOOTING IN ACHIL. 351 



every snipe-shooter should walk down it, as by that 

 means the bird, if he rises before him, will fly back, 

 and coming round him, describe a kind of circle, or at 

 least his flight, for a certain distance, will not lengthen 

 the shot, allowing him a certain time to cover the bird, 

 and take good aim ; for if he gets up before him, and 

 should by chance go down the wind or from him, it is 

 then the most difficult shot. It will be proper, in this 

 case to let the bird get a little distance from him, as then 

 he will fly steadier, and the slightest grain will fetch him 

 to the ground. 



We crossed the bent- banks, occasionally knocking a 

 rabbit over as we went along, and wheeled to the west- 

 ward to skirt the base of Slieve More. We had not 

 proceeded far, before an islander, who was herding 

 cows, told us that there was a crowour keough beg* in the 

 next ravine. We accordingly put a setter in, and were 

 gratified with a steady point in the place the herdsman 

 had intimated. The bird sprang, and was knocked 

 over by my companion, when the little woodcock proved 

 to be a double snipe. These birds are extremely scarce 

 here, and a few couple only are seen during a whole 

 season by persons most conversant in traversing the 

 bogs. There cannot be a doubt but this bird is a distinct 

 species ; but for its extreme rarity and solitary habits, 

 naturalists are puzzled to account. 



We shot, before we began to ascend the hill, a couple 

 of woodcocks lying out upon the moors. They were 

 very shy, never allowing the dogs to come to a set. 

 This is usually the case when these birds are outlying ; 

 and I have followed a cock for miles before I got him 

 within fire, teased by his getting up before I could 



♦ A little woodcock. 



