200 
scolopacid.t:. 
are strewn with large fragments of stone, it is probable that it 
resorts to them for shelter, there being no cover whatever in 
the island, except perhaps in two or three favourite spots 
where the heather is taller than usual. I have seen them 
upon the hill-tops even during deep snow. At such times 
they are very sluggish, crouching beside a stone until they 
might almost he kicked up, and then only flying a few yards 
to the next convenient spot. The quarters looked cold enough, 
hut doubtless the birds felt pretty comfortable, sitting under 
shelter from the piercing wind in a perfect nest of snow, with 
neither the back nor the well tucked-in head showing above the 
level. Often have I wished for even an hour’s such accommo- 
dation, when night was coming on, and my journey not half 
accomplished. 
For several years of late, the shepherd in charge of the hill 
called Hermanness had informed me that Woodcocks bred 
there, and that he had seen both eggs and young ; but I was 
only convinced when, on the 23d of May, he pointed out a 
nest containing four eggs, one of which is now before me, and 
is of the usual shape, size, and colour. They were lying upon 
pieces of dry fern, among the tallest grass and heather in a deep 
secluded dell or hollow. The sitting bird, so far from appearing 
alarmed, merely watched us from a tuft of grass about fifty 
yards distant; though I think she imagined herself entirely 
concealed from view. 
THE GEEAT SNIPE. 
Scolopax major. 
I have several times killed what appeared to be very large 
specimens of the common Snipe ; yet, strangely enough, I paid 
but little attention to the matter, beyond taking down one 
careful description, which afteiwards was the means of proving 
beyond all doubt that the birds were the true Scolo]pax major. 
The two extra tail feathers were particularly observed. Several 
times T got them among turnips, while looking for the common 
