122 BRITISH BIRDS. 



Latham and Pennant assert, that some Wood- 

 cocks deviate from the course which nature seems 

 to have taught their species, by remaining- through- 

 out the year, and breeding in this country; and 

 this assertion Mr. Tunstall corroborates by such a 

 number of well-authenticated instances, that the 

 fact is unquestionable.* 



* A white Woodcock was seen three successive winters in Penrice 

 wood, near Penrice Castle, in Glamorganshire : it was repeatedly 

 flushed and shot at during that time, in the very same place where it 

 was first discovered : at last it was found dead, with several others, 

 which had perished by the severity of the weather, in the winter of 

 1793. This account, which was communicated to the author by Sir 

 John Trevelyan, Bart., on the authority of the Rev. Dr. Hunt, proves 

 not only the existence of white Woodcocks, but also the truth of 

 the assertion, that the haunts of this bird are the same year after 

 year. 



To describe the various methods which are practised by fowlers to 

 catch this bird, would be tedious ; but it may not be improper to 

 notice those most commonly in use, and against which it does not 

 seem to be equally on its guard as against the gun. It is easily caught 

 in nets, traps, and springes, which are placed in its accustomed runs 

 or paths, as its suspicions are all lulled into security by the silence of 

 the night ; and it will not fly or leap over any obstacles which are 

 placed in its way, while in quest of its food ; therefore, in those 

 places, barriers, and avenues formed of sticks, stones, &c., are con- 

 structed so as to weir it into the fatal openings, where it is entrapped : 

 in like manner, a low fence, made of the tops of broom, stuck into 

 the ground, across the wet furrow of a field, or a runner from a 

 spring, which is not frozen, is sufficient to stay its progress, and to 

 make it seek from side to side, for an opening, through which it 

 might pass ; and there it seldom escapes the noose that is set to 

 secure it. 



At the root of the first quill in each wing is a small pointed narrow 

 feather, very elastic, and much sought after by painters, by whom it 

 is used as a pencil. A feather of a similar kind is found in the whole 

 of this tribe, and also in every one of the Tringas and Plovers which 

 the author has examined. 



