offer a better example of protective coloring. In shape the eggs are not very different from common 

 hen's eggs. They measure from 1.10 to 1.20 inches in short-diameter, and from 1.44 to 1.65 in long- 

 diameter. A common size is about 1.18 x 1.55. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 



The eggs are so distinctive in marking and coloring, when taken together with their size, that they 

 can not be mistaken for those of any other bird. The nest amounts to but little by itself and can only be 

 saved with great care. 



REMARKS: 



The eggs figured, Fig. 9, Plate LX, were taken near Circleville, on the 28th of March, 1878. 

 They had been sat upon four or five days. The three show the usual shapes, sizes, ground-colors, 

 and colors and forms of markings. 



The American Woodcock is quite universally distributed over the United States, and in Ohio is 

 quite plentiful, though by no means as numerous as in years gone by. It is noted for its seclusiveness, 

 and no doubt finds in solitude all the charms that sages have seen. If this characteristic is an evidence 

 of wisdom, verily the Woodcock is a Solon among the feathered tribes, for it seeks the most solitary and 

 unfinished spots on earth, places where the soil is soft and moist; and here, with no near companion, it 

 passes most of its life in satisfactory if not sweet meditation. According to some the male is given to music, 

 and has a song as varied as that of insessorial birds, while others- assert the contrary. Mr. Charles 

 Hallock, in "Sportman's Gazetteer," says: . . . "By the first of April, on any clear moonlight night, 

 at all hours, the male may be heard from every quarter chanting his weird and unmusical song to the 

 object of his affections. This note so closely resembles that of the Nighthawk as to be easily mistaken 

 for it." 



After the 4th of July, the law of Ohio permits the killing of Woodcock. It would be far better if 

 the close season extended until the middle of August. At this season of the year the birds resort to 

 timbered islands that are damp and overgrown with horse-weeds, nettles, elders, and creeping vines. 

 They are also found along the mucky banks of willow-bordered streams and similar places, and owing 

 to their inexperience and want of wing power are easily killed. Often in July I have flushed old birds 

 with half grown young, and even the oldest birds of the year are hardly full size and strong flyers 

 before Seotember. 



The flesh of the Woodcock is very highly esteemed; in fact, it ranks first in flavor among all game 

 birds. A single bird served for the table brings from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents, at any 

 fashionable restaurant, and even at this price they are difficult to obtain. Unquestionably the Woodcock 

 is a fine table bird, especially in early fall, after it has left its summer feeding grounds for the 

 ditches and springs of upland fields, but to my taste there are other birds superior even then. I make 

 this statement with some trepidation, knowing that such belief is the rankest epicurean heresy. 



The cocker spaniel is presumably the dog to hunt Woodcock with, but here again I must declare 

 my infidelity by preferring a pointer. Poor Greek! Was there ever another such dog? For twelve 

 years he was my constant companion in the field, and such work as he would do! Grouse, Quail, Doves, 

 Snipe, Ducks, Woodcock, he understood at once what was demanded of him. In the thickest possible 

 cover he would point the Woodcock with the certainty and stanchness that he would a Quail in open 

 stubble. I have killed hundreds over him, and he was ever the same, faithful' and true, and but for the 

 dastardly act of some townsman he might be living to-day and eager for the fall sport. The law of Ohio 

 does not recognize a dog as property, although it taxes him. Hence, any cowardly person can, unobserved 

 or even openly, give poison, without fear of punishment. 



240 



