THE WOODCOCK. 175 



manner, making a sort of murmuring sound, and then descends 

 with the same rapidity that he arose. This movement, accom- 

 panied by the short, discordant note or "quack," is the call of the 

 male to his favorite female. 



We must not forget to mention one other peculiarity of these 

 birds, and that is the somewhat extraordinary habit they have of 

 carrying their young on their backs from place to place. We have 

 never been so fortunate as to see a woodcock adopt this novel mode 

 of conveyance for her young, and must confess that we are rather 

 skeptical on the subject, although we have heard it from others 

 who have witnessed it, at least, they told us so, and of course we 

 could not doubt their word, though we might have thought of the 

 "traveller's privilege." Notwithstanding the improbability of the 

 whole affair, it is well supported by the assertions of Yiellot, in 

 his Gralerie des Oiseaux, for he states that such is the fact, and, 

 moreover, that he has seen them do it "plusieurs fois." 



Many persons believe that woodcocks raise two broods each 

 season. Whether or not this is the case in the Northern States, it 

 is difficult to say ; we do not doubt, however, that such is often the 

 fact, when circumstances exist similar to those that drive the par- 

 tridge to a second incubation. "Frank Forester" expresses him- 

 self quite positively on this point, and we know no one in whose 

 opinions upon such matters we ought to place so much confidence, 

 as this accomplished sportsman has certainly had ample opportu- 

 nity, as well as inclination, to ascertain such interesting facts, 



