THE WOODCOCK 261 



but little scent as compared with other game, but on 

 the moist ground, where they are always found, it is 

 sufficient for the pointers and setters to locate and 

 point them. 



When flushed, the cock whirls rapidly up through 

 the overhanging trees, and flies swiftly away, produc- 

 ing a whistling sound which has been the subject of 

 much controversy among sportsmen and ornitholo- 

 gists. Trumbull, in an article in Forest and Stream, 

 gives his observations of a captive bird, and is firmly 

 of the opinion that the whistling noise is vocal. Brew- 

 ster, in the same magazine, insists that the noise is 

 made by the wings. Many other writers joined in the 

 controversy, and pages have been written on the sub- 

 ject. I believe the noise is made by the wings. 



Since the cover is dense, the shooting is difficult, 

 and snap-shots are the rule. I have often shot wood- 

 cock by firing into the cover after I had lost sight of 

 them, aiming a little ahead of the disappearing bird, 

 and later recovering him with the aid of pointers or 

 setters. The shots are usually at short range. A light, 

 open gun, 1 2 or 16 gauge, is used, loaded with small shot; 

 No. 9 early in the season, and No. 8 late in the fall. 

 The smokeless powder is far superior to the old black 

 powder of a few years ago ; the heavy cloud of smoke 

 from the first barrel hanging low in the damp atmos- 

 phere of the wet woods often prevented the use of 

 the second barrel. 



The woodcock disappear in August from places 

 where they have been abundant in July. There has 

 been much speculation as to the cause of this disap- 

 pearance, which occurs at the moulting time. Some 



