THE FOREST 177 



there were no mosquito curtains in front at this 

 season, his escape was an easy one. 



In the lower part of the forest, just above the 

 salt marsh, is a springy place and fairly open. 

 An alder brought from the dunes grew vigorously. 

 It was perfect woodcock country in miniature, 

 but I never expected to find woodcock there. 

 However, early one morning as I was hurr} ing 

 from my lean-to for a bath in the salt creek, I 

 nearly stepped on two young woodcocks that 

 fluttered off into the bushes. After this on sev- 

 eral occasions I started an adult woodcock that 

 rose like a whistling meteor through the forest. 

 I have watched and listened every spring since 

 for the courtship song and flight of this interest- 

 ing bird, but as yet the pair have not returned. 



To awaken on a spring morning and listen to 

 the morning chorus of birds is one of the greatest 

 pleasures that comes from my occupation of the 

 lean-to in the forest. Bird songs are also to be 

 heard there at night. The chipping sparro\N 

 sings occasionally at this season, the song sparrow 

 much more commonly. The black-billed cuckoo 

 sometimes pours forth his curious song not only 



