THE WOODCOCK. 147 



the arts of luxury, among which the indulgence of 

 the palate fills no undistinguished a place. The eggs 

 of wild fowl have therefore become a great delicacy 

 among the inhabitants of those parts, who encourage 

 the boors to find out their nests. The eggs of the 

 woodcock they prefer to all others ; and, in conse- 

 quence of their high price, they are anxiously sought 

 by the country people, and offered for sale in large 

 quantities in the markets of Stockholm and other 

 places. The flesh of this bird, however, they deem 

 unwholesome, from the circumstance of its having no 

 crop. 



Woodcocks generally weigh from twelve to four- 

 teen ounces, and are chiefly found in thick covers, 

 particularly those with wet bottoms, and underneath 

 holly" bushes; they are not, however, fond of cover s 

 where there is long grass growing in the bottom, and 

 at the roots of the trees. In mild weather they are 

 to be found chiefly in the open country, in hedge- 

 rows, &e. but a severe frost forces them to the thickest 

 covers, and to springs and small running streams that 

 are sheltered with trees or underwood. 



The sight of the woodcock is very indifferent in the 

 day-time, but he sees better in the dusk of evening 

 and by moonlight ; and it may also be remarked, that 

 woodcocks will lie much better the day following a 

 moonlight night, than when it has been preceded by 

 a very dark one : the reason is obvious the bird has 

 been enabled by the light of the moon to make a 

 plentiful repast, and the next day is lazy and unwill- 



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