SNIPE- SHOOTING. 37 



who may also beat the covers with poles ; and when the 

 cocks have heen flushed, by these or the dogs, they will 

 land in some ditch, fence, or bank, at no great distance. 

 Woodcocks inhabit the woods during the greater part of 

 the winter season, but are invisible in severe and con- 

 tinued frosts, excepting the few which find cover near 

 springs that never freeze. Woodcocks, when wounded, 

 may be instantly killed by pricking them behind the 

 pinion joint just under the wing : an act of charity no 

 benevolent sportsman will delay. 



SNIPE-SHOOTING. 



SNIPES are distinguished as the common, the jack, 

 and the great snipe : snipe-shooting is commonly per- 

 formed without a dog, or with a well-seasoned pointer. 

 In the winter season, snipes frequent low and moist 

 ground, and shelter in rushy bottoms. In summer, 

 they are found in hilly or moorland districts. When 

 disturbed and flushed in breeding time, the cock snipe 

 practises various mano3uvres. He ascends to a vast 

 height very rapidly, making a bleating noise. After 

 poising himself awhile on his wings, he falls with equal 

 rapidity, whistling and making a drumming noise, 

 either by the flapping of his wings or with his voice. 

 Snipe-shooting affords the greatest trial of the marks- 

 man's skill. In their walks, you may sometimes flush 

 them nearly under your feet: then remain perfectly 



