THE WOODCOCK. 147 



they regain activity, sally out and search actively for food, 

 which in a great measure consists of worms and insects, ob- 

 tained by the bill being thrust into the earth, often so far 

 that we repeatedly observe specimens in the markets of the 

 city, with the feathers of the forehead marked and crusted 

 with the dried soil. 



Generally arriving in Ireland about the middle of October, 

 it is to be found for a few days in the vicinity of the shore, 

 weak and wasted in condition after its long flight, and at 

 times so much fatigued as to have been captured by the hand 

 unable to fly. 



From its rarity in Ireland during the summer months, it 

 was long a doubtful question whether the woodcock remained 

 to breed. Of this fact we have now direct testimony from 

 many parts of the country, where an occasional pair has been 

 known to remain and nidify. 



On the demesne of the Earl of Roden, Tollymore Park, the 

 woodcock has become resident during summer, remaining in 

 considerable numbers, and bringing up their young. It is 

 supposed the woodcock rears but a single brood during the 

 year, yet on one occasion we had the satisfaction of seeing a 

 second recorded, from having received the leaves composing 

 the nest and four eggs, on the 2nd of July, 1851, which were 

 forwarded from Tollymore Park by his Lordship's orders, for 

 our collection. 



Occasionally remaining to breed in France, we are told by 

 Degland* of a woodcock being shot near Lyons, by a game- 

 keeper, who on taking up the bird discovered three young 

 hidden beneath the wing of the parent, and which had been 

 killed by the same discharge which deprived the female of 

 life. The same author also mentions the extraordinary ra- 

 pidity with which the woodcock runs on the ground, so nimbly 

 as to avoid the dogs of the chasseur who have started it. 



As with many other migratory birds, the occurrence of the 

 woodcock early or late in the season gives rise to many prog- 

 nostics respecting good or bad weather to those versed in 

 such matters : 



" The woodcock's early visit, and abode 

 Of long continuance in our temperate clime, 

 Foretells a liberal harvest." 



The woodcock occurs in such numbers in Ireland that in 

 good covers a couple of guns may procure as many birds in a 



* Ornithologie Europeenne. 

 L2 



