176 BlllD GALLEKY. 



No. 1O6. WOODCOCK. (Scolopax rusticula.) 



Though generally known as a migrant, which arrives in October and 

 returns northwards in March, many Woodcocks remain to breed 

 throughout the British Islands. The food consists chiefly of insects 

 and worms, especially the latter, of which enormous numbers are eaten. 

 A rounded depression in the ground, lined with withered grass and 

 dead leaves, serves as a nest and is situated in some sheltered spot. 

 The four eggs are creamy-buff, blotched and spotted with grey and 

 reddish-brown. 



The Woodcock has often been observed on the wing carrying its 

 young ; the nestling is held close to the breast with the aid of the legs 

 and bill. 



The four young birds, which were on the point of hatching, were 

 extracted from the eggs exhibited in the Case. 



Inverness-shire, June. 

 Presented by Lord Lovat. 



No. 1O7. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. (Limosa limosa.) 



This species used to breed in the fens of Lincolnshire and Cambridge- 

 shire, and eggs have been taken in Norfolk as recently as 1817. It 

 has now ceased to nest in England, and is only observed on the spring 

 and autumn migrations and occasionally in winter. The nest, a slightly- 

 lined hollow amongst coarse herbage, contains four eggs of a pale olive- 

 green colour, spotted with brown. 



Europe, June. 

 Presented by J. Stares fy E. V. Ear/e, Esqrs. 



No. 1O8. SNIPE. (Gallinago gallinago.) 



A common species in all marshy localities throughout the British 

 Islands, especially in Scotland and Ireland, but most numerous during 

 the colder months of the year, when immense " flights " arrive from the 

 Continent and often remain till March. In frosty weather it frequently 

 shifts its quarters in search of open ground, where insects, worms, and 

 molluscs may still be obtained. The nest, a mere depression in the 

 ground, slightly lined with dead grass, is generally situated amongst 

 rushes, grass, or heather. The eggs, usually four in number, are 



