WOODCOCK. Scolopax nuticola. 



Indeed, it is quite evident that they must in most instances transport the newly hatched 

 birds in this manner, as their nests are generally placed in dry heathery woods, where the 

 young would inevitably perish unless the old ones managed to carry them to some more 

 favourable feeding-ground. Nor is the food of the Woodcock of such a nature that 

 it could be taken to the young from the swamps in any sufficient quantity ; neither 

 could the old birds bring with them the moisture which is necessary for the subsistence 

 of all birds of this kind. In fact, they have no means of feeding their young, except by 

 carrying them to their food, for they cannot carry their food to them." 



Per contra, it is said that the drooping body and tail give the female an appearance, 

 especially if viewed from behind, of having a young bird in her embrace, although she 

 really is unburdened. Still, however, the numerous well-accredited instances of this 

 custom set the matter beyond a doubt. 



The general colour of the Woodcock is brown of several shades, pale wood-brown 

 upon the cheeks,- rich dark brown upon the back, mottled with a lighter hue ; throat, breast 

 and abdomen, wood-brown barred with dark brown. The tail is black above tipped witi 

 grey. The average length is about fourteen inches, but the weight is extremely variabla 

 An ordinarily good bird weighs about thirteen ounces, but a veiy fine specimen will 

 weigh fourteen or fifteen ounces, and there are examples of Woodcocks weighing twenty- 

 six and twenty-seven ounces. 



The GEBY PHALAEOPE is one of the rare British birds, belonging rightly to* the limits 

 of the Arctic circle, and coming southward in the autumn. 



It is a light and active bird, flying and swimming, with great address, and braving the 

 raging sea with easy courage. The body of this bird is singularly buoyant, so that the 

 Phalarope rides on the waters like a cork, bidding defiance to the waves, and circling 

 about the surface with an ease and rapidity that reminds the observer of the whirligig 

 beetles that urge their ceaseless wheels on the surface of our shady streams. It is a bold 

 bird, caring little for the presence of human beings, and suffering itself to be approached 

 without displaying fear. Moreover, when made prisoner it becomes familiar with its 



