98 
SCOLOPAX MINOR. 
SniiGENUS UI. RUSICOLA, VIEILI.. 
235 . SCOLOPAX Mison, GMELIN and WILSON'. 
AMERIC.VN WOODCOCK. 
WILSON, ELATE XLVIII. FIG. II. 
This bird, like the rail, is universally known 
our sportsmen. It arrives in Pennsylvania early 
March, sometimes sooner ; and I doubt not but in n>''* 
winters some few remain with us the whole of 
season. During the day, they keep to the w’oods 
thickets, and, at the approach of evening-, seek t®* 
springs and open watery jilaccs to feed in. They .<5^ 
disperse themselves over the country to breed. Abo®! 
the beginning of July, particularly in long continue* 
hot weather, they descend to the marshy shores of o"; 
large riveis, their favourite springs and watery recess*- 
inland being chiefly dried up. To the former of tlic^ 
retreats, they are pursued by the merciless sportsni*?; 
flushed by dogs, and shot don-n in great numbers. Tbj 
species of amusement, w-hen eagerly followed, is 
more laborious and tiitiguiug than thatof snipe shooti®^ 
and, from the nature of the ground, or cripple, ns it , 
usually called, viz. deep mire intersected with old 1®?' 
w hich are covered and hid from sight by high re*^ 
weeds, and alder bushes, the best dogs are soon ti^ 
out ; and it is customary with sportsmen w ho regula®^ 
pursue tliis diversion, to have two sets of dogs, to reli®' 
each other alternately. 
The woodcock usually begins to lay in April. 
nest is placed on the ground, in a retired part of ’ ^ 
woods, frequently at the root of .an old stump. I* !i 
formed of a few withered leaves and stalks of grass 
with very little art. 1 lie female lays four, soineti’® t 
IrkTin* cill 
