CHAPTER XIV, 



SNIPE SHOOTING. 



LIKE the woodcock, the Snipe is a migratory bird, 

 also ; visiting us in autumn, and taking its leave in 

 spring. Like the woodcock, too, it abounds infinitely 

 more in Ireland than England : and, indeed, in many 

 districts of the former, is the only bird the shooter has 

 to count upon, with the exception of the grouse and 

 the cock. The snipe, according to the old saw, " is 

 a good bird whenever you can get it ; " but it is not 

 correct, nevertheless, to shoot it before the grouse is 

 in season. In August a few are met on the moors 

 they are always to be found in the bogs and on the 

 upland moors of Ireland ; but they are not fit to eat 

 before November. It is stated, and truly, that these 

 birds have retreated in this country before the march 

 of agricultural improvement, whose premier pas is 

 draining ; and the sport, which forms our present 

 subject, is to be had, in any perfection, in but very 

 few counties in England. Moreover, the snipe is 



