SHOOTING. 229 



of swallowing a worm, and be shot, at the distance of thirty 

 yards from the spot whence he rose, the worm will be found 

 changed into a jelly-like substance, the trail I have just men- 

 tioned. The woodcock is seen to feed early in the morning, and 

 at dusk in the evening ; but this must not be understood in a 

 literal sense. This bird is on the wing at the very dawn of the 

 morning, and feeds as soon afterwards as he can discover food ; 

 he will then generally continue in the place where he has fed, if 

 sheltered, or seek the protection of some cover or hedge ; and, 

 if undisturbed, will remain in the same situation till late in the 

 afternoon, when he feeds again, and afterwards takes a short 

 flight or two to his resting place for the night. 



The greater part of them leave this country about the latter 

 end of February or the beginning of March. They retire to 

 the coast, and if the wind be favourable, set out immediately; 

 but, if contrary, they are often detained for some time, and thus 

 afford good diversion to those sportsmen who reside near the 

 sea. 



Woodcocks generally weigh from twelve to fourteen ounces, 

 and are chiefly found in thick covers, particularly those with wet 

 bottoms, and underneath holly bushes ; they are not, however, 

 fond of covers where there is long grass growing in the bottom, 

 and at the roots of the trees. 



The sight of the woodcock i& very indifferent in the day 

 time, but he sees better in the dusk of the evening and by 

 moonlight ; and it may also be remarked, that woodcocks will 

 lie much better the day following a moonlight night, than when 

 it has been preceded by a very dark one : the reason is obvious 

 the bird has been enabled by the light of the moon to make a 

 plentiful repast, and the next day is lazy and unwilling to fly ; 

 whereas, when the darkness of the night has rendered it impos- 

 sible for him to satisfy the calls of hunger, he is constantly un- 

 easy, and on the alert in search of food, which he never attempts 



u 



