THE WOODCOCK. 193 



MEMORANDA. 



1. The male bird is much smaller than the female ; the former 

 usually weighs from five to six ounces, the latter from six to eight. 



2. The American woodcock is much smaller than the English. 



3. There is but one variety of woodcock in America. 



4. Woodcocks are migratory, and extend their wanderings from 

 the Canadas even as far south as Florida. 



5. Their food consists of worms and larvae, and they are all 

 voracious feeders. 



6. Woodcocks breed in the North, and commence laying, if the 

 weather is favorable, even as early as February. The period of 

 incubation is about three weeks. 



7. Woodcocks moult in August and September, and at this time 

 they lie very close. 



8. Woodcocks frequent moist places, and are seldom met with in 

 other situations. 



