124 WOODCOCK. 



would seem from the testimony of various people who have been fortunate enough to 

 witness the arrival of a flight of Woodcocks, that, migrating as they do at a great 

 height in the air, they descend almost perpendicularly to the ground at the termination 

 of their journey. 



On the east coast of England, they arrive in good condition, proving that their flight 

 has not been of any long continuance ; on the south-west coast, near Plymouth, we have 

 the authority of the Rev. R. A. Julian for stating that they arrive there with the breast- 

 bone prominent and sharp, as if their migration had extended over a considerable period 

 of time; but he adds that a very few clays is sufficient to restore them to their usual 

 state of plumpness. Mr. Selby says that Woodcocks "always come over in the greatest 

 bodies in hazy weather, with little wind, and that blowing from the north-east; and it 

 is probable they find the upper region of the atmosphere, in which they fly, freer from 

 counter currents of air, than in more open weather. After a night of this description 

 I have frequently met with great numbers upon the edges of plantations, in hedges, and 

 even in turnip fields, and enjoyed excellent sport for the day; but on seeking, on the 

 following morning, for a renewal of similar success, I have not found a single bird, the 

 whole flight having proceeded on their course during the intervening night." We can 

 hardly think these birds to be those alluded to by Mr. Julian, for the few hours flight 

 which would take them from the east coast to Devonshire, could not reduce them from 

 plump and well-conditioned birds to such as he describes. 



In its spring emigration it is usually found congregating near the shores, preparatory 

 to taking its leave of us for a season. Many leave in February, and few remain after 

 March; occasionally, however, a straggler may be obtained in April, and a few remain 

 to breed with us. These last would seem, nevertheless, to migrate as soon as the young 

 ones have arrived at sufficient maturity, and again return with the regular flights in the 

 autumn. Much yet remains to be elucidated in the history of this, as well as many 

 others of our migratory birds. 



Like the Snipe, the Woodcock is very generally distributed over these countries, in 

 situations suited to its habits; but some districts are more favoured than others in the 

 numbers that frequent them. So generally, indeed, are they distributed from the north 

 of Scotland to the south of England, and from the east to the west, that any particular 

 record of the various localities is quite unnecessary; but we will merely observe that in 

 Ireland they are much more numerous than in either England or Scotland. 



Out of this country, the Woodcock is found in Norway, Sweden, Lapland, Finland, 

 Russia, Siberia, and Silesia. In France and Germany it is not common: it also 

 occurs in Greece and Italy. In Northern Africa, they are found in Egypt and Barbary. 

 In Madeira, they are said to be resident the whole year. In Asia it occurs in India 

 and Japan. 



