THE WOODCOCK. 14? 



Observations. 



lay four or five eggs, about the size of those of a 

 pigeon, of a rusty colour, and marked with brown 

 spots. They are remarkably tame during incu- 

 bation : a person who discovered a woodcock on 

 its nest, often stood over, and even stroked it ; 

 notwithstanding which, it hatched the young, and 

 in due time disappeared with them. 



A single bird was observed to remain in a cop- 

 pice belonging to a gentleman in Dorsetshire 

 through the summer. The place, from its shady 

 .and moist situation, was well calculated to main- 

 tain it; yet by degrees it lost almost all its feathers, 

 so that for some time it was not able to fly, and 

 was often caught; but in the autumn it reco- 

 vered its feathers and strength, arid flew away. 



It has been remarked in England, that for se- 

 veral years past, woodcocks have become very 

 scarce. This seems to be easily accounted for. 

 Sweden, like other countries, is making a gradual 

 progress in the arts of luxury; among which the 

 indulgence of the palate fills no undistinguished 

 place. The eggs of wild-fowl have of late become 

 a great delicacy among the inhabitants of that 

 country, who encourage the boors to find out 

 their nests. The eggs of the woodcock they are 

 particularly fond of; and the boors offer them in 

 large quantities for sale, in the market of Stock- 

 holm. From this practice it is not improbable 

 that the breed, not only of this bird, but of several 

 of the species of grous,will be greatly diminished, 

 if not at last totally extirpated, 

 T 2 



