THE WOODCOCK. 185 



Few, we think, can expect to derive much real pleasure or bene- 

 fit from the exposure consequent upon a cock-shooting expedition, 

 exposed as they are, for hours together, not only to the burning 

 rays of a July sun, but also to the inhalation of the poisonous 

 gases that are always engendered in these miasmatic situations 

 during the summer months. These two circumstances alone, 

 independent of any other reasons, ought to be sufficient to pre- 

 vent any sensible sportsman from entering into the amusement at 

 this season of the year. However, the temptation to go after 

 woodcock at this time, we must acknowledge, is often very strong ; 

 and we are not surprised that but few can resist it, particularly 

 when the law encourages it, and almost every one hears his sport- 

 ing friends around him boasting of their great success and wonder- 

 ful deeds the day previous. 



DISAPPEARANCE OF WOODCOCKS. 



During the period of moulting — the latter part of August and 

 the month of September — woodcocks disappear, or are said to dis- 

 appear, for a short time, from their usual haunts, and retire either 



tended, a far more beneficial influejice over the community than the city fathers at 

 first supposed or intended. 



May we not confidently hope that their presence in these places will engender 

 in the bosoms of our youth a better appreciation and a more becoming respect foi 

 these lowly but still very interesting objects of creation ? will foster and cultivate 

 the kindlier feelings of the heart ? will give rise to and encourage a love for the 

 beautiful and a taste for the study of natural history, and perhaps do more than 

 any other plan could towards crushing, as it were, in the very germ, that disposi- 

 tion to kill and destroy which unfortunately is so characteristic of American youth ? 



