72 VARIETIES OP SHOOTING. 



" Irrespective of the woodcock being the most difficult 

 bird to bring down which Scotland affords, there is a sort of 

 charm attached to cock shooting which even to a penman 

 would, I think, be difficult to describe. In the first place, 

 the almost extra high physical condition which the bracing 

 and invigorating air, peculiar to this coast, imparts in the 

 enjoyment of this fascinating sport, independently of in- 

 creased mental energy and higher spirits; the great variety 

 of rugged, wild, grand scenery which is presented; the un- 

 mistakeable rattle of the cock's wings as he rises, followed 

 by the magically-sounding words, 'Mark cock!' are, when 

 taken together, rather apt to produce an effect contrary to 

 that of strengthening the nerves. I have met with many 

 men, particularly young ones, and especially when over their 

 wine, who attempted to lay down the law at great length 

 ' Let me assure you, old fellow, you are mistaken ; there is 

 no bird more easily shot than a cock.' I never yet have 

 seen one of those talkers whose performances on the fol- 

 lowing, or on any other day, did not present a sad contrast 

 to his professions. But they are always handy with excuses 

 of various descriptions : ' The effects of the smoking room 

 on the previous evening;' 'That infernal toasted cheese;' 

 and, if nothing else will go down, the gunpowder is damp 

 ' I won't have any more of that fellow's gunpowder.' 



" Those excuses may be well enough got up, but are of no 

 use, because there is no doubt of the woodcock's being the 

 most difficult bird to shoot of all those we know in Scotland. 



"Ask the best shot you know one who has had great 

 experience in all sorts of shooting which Scotland affords 

 ask him how many hill or low-ground game birds he ever has 

 consecutively bagged, taking all birds as they rose within 

 shot 1 ? Then ask him how many woodcocks he has under the 

 same circumstances bagged? You will find the latter one 

 to the former three. Then, it will be said, that in covert 

 woodcocks are protected by the trees ; so they often are, but 

 trees nearly as often present an obstacle as a protection to 

 them. 



" For many years past I have observed most accurately 

 the shooting of a man who, I think, is a very good shot. I 

 have seen him bag some thousands of both woodcocks and 



