THE WOODCOCK. 179 



tinkling of the bells, if light and melodious, will not disturb 

 the Birds, but rather enliven the gloom and dulness of the 

 woody glens, and add new spirit and life to the sport. 



The bells should be of different tones, so as to distinguish the 

 Dogs from each other. We are satisfied that the use of bells 

 could be made very advantageous in Partridge-shooting, in some 

 sections of our country, more particularly early in the season, 

 when the coverts are so very thick. We would recommend to 

 those having a fancy to try them, to put a small ring to the 

 Dog's collar, to Avhich they might attach the bell by means of 

 a spring-hook, similar to those now so generally used for fast- 

 ening the guard-chain to the vest button-hole. Arranged in 

 this way, the bell can be removed or put on at a moment's 

 notice, according to circumstances. 



We are certainly an admirer of the little Cocker Spaniel, and 

 would advise those gentlemen who pursue shooting, more par- 

 ticularly those who reside in the country, as a pastime, and not 

 for the mere wanton gratification of bagging large quantities 

 of game, to try their hands with these active little creatures, as 

 we are sure they will be delighted with their boisterous and 

 exciting style of hunting, giving subdued tongue when on the 

 scent of game, and then bursting forth with joyous acclamations 

 when the Bird is flushed and on the wing.* 



If the reader should ever be so fortunate as to possess a 

 Cocker Spaniel, to whom he can in good faith address the fol- 

 lowing four lines of an epitaph, he may consider himself thrice 

 fortunate indeed: — 



"Alike the Woodcock's dreary haunt, 

 Tho' keen to find amidst tlie shade, 

 Ne'er did thy tongue redoubled chaunt. 



But mark quick echo'd through the glade." 



V, 



MEMORANDA. 



The male Bird is much smaller than the female ; the former 

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

 eight. 



* For the tuition and management of Spaniels, see our edition of Youuti on 

 the Dog. 



