40 



WOODCOCK. 

 SCOLOPAX MINOR. 

 [Plate XLVIII.— Fig. 2.] 



Jlrct. Zool. p. 463, JVo. 365 Turt. Syst. 396. 



THIS bird, like the preceding, is universally known to our 

 sportsmen. It arrives in Pennsylvania early in March, sometimes 

 sooner; and I doubt not but in mild winters some few remain with 

 us the whole of that season. During the day they keep to the 

 woods and thickets, and at the approach of evening seek the 

 springs and open watery places to feed in. They soon disperse 

 themselves over the country to breed. About the beginning of 

 July, particularly in long continued hot weather, they descend to 

 the marshy shores of our large rivers, their favorite springs and 

 watery recesses inland being chiefly dried up. To the former of 

 these retreats they are pursued by the merciless sportsman, flushed 

 by dogs, and shot down in great numbers. This species of amuse- 

 ment, when eagerly followed, is still more laborious and fatiguing 

 than that of Snipe-shooting; and from the nature of the ground, 

 or cripple as it is usually called, viz. deep mire intersected with 

 old logs which are covered and hid from sight by high reeds, 

 weeds and alder bushes, the best dogs are soon tired out; and it 

 is customary with sportsmen who regularly pursue this diversion, 

 to have two sets of dogs, to relieve each other alternately. 



The Woodcock usually begins to lay in April. Tlie nest is 

 placed on the ground, in a retired part of the woods, frequently 

 at the root of an old stump. It is formed of a few withered leaves 

 and stalks of grass laid with very little art. The female lays four, 

 sometimes five eggs, about an inch and a half long, and an inch 



