232 SHOOTING. 



however, is much smaller than the woodcock. The common 

 snipe weighs about four ounces, the jack snipe is not much 

 larger than a lark, the great snipe weighs about nine ounces, but 

 is seldom met with. 



Snipes are to be found all the winter in wet and marshy grounds, 

 particularly where there are rushes ; they are frequently met with 

 on mountains and moors among the heath ; but a severe frost 

 forces them to the springs and running streams. Numbers of 

 these birds remain with us all the year, and breed in our marshes, 

 laying generally six eggs the latter end of May. 



The snipe is generally regarded as a difficult shot ; and it 

 must be allowed that it requires practice to surmount this diffi- 

 culty, which arises from the zig-zag manner in which the bird 

 flies immediately after rising. The best method to pursue in 

 this diversion is to walk down the wind, as snipes generally fly 

 against it ; and if a snipe rises before the sportsman, it will not 

 fly far before it turns, and describes a sort of semi-circle, which 

 will afford more time to take aim, by thus remaining longer 

 within gun -shot. If, however, the bird should fly straight for- 

 ward, it will be highly proper to let it get some little distance, 

 as its fl'ght will become much steadier. The slightest wound is 

 sufficient to bring these birds to the ground. 



An old pointer is the best in snipe shooting. To accustom a 

 young dog to snipes, slacks his mettle, and renders him of little 

 use for partridge or grouse, owing to getting a number of points 

 with little exertion. However, when these birds are plentiful, 

 a dog is unnecessary, as walking them up will answer equally 

 well. 



In closing this chapter on shooting, I will introduce some 

 judicious remarks upon the subject generally, from Daniel's Rural 

 Sports : 



" In the reign of Charles the First no person shot flying : 

 what is now termed poaching was the gentleman's recreation ; 



