98 
SCOLOPAX MINOR. 
SUBGENUS III. — RUBICOLA, VIEILL. 
235 . SCOLOPAX MINOR , GMELIN AND WILSON. 
AMERICAN WOODCOCK. 
WILSON, PLATE XLVIII. FIG. II. 
This bird, like the rail, 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 favourite springs and watery recesses 
inland being chiefly dried up. To the former of these 
retreats, they are pursued by the merciless sportsman, 
hushed by dogs, and shot down in great numbers. This 
species of amusement, 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. The 
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 
live eggs, about an inch and a half long, and an inch 
or rather more in diameter, tapering suddenly to the 
small end. These are of a dun clay colour, thickly 
marked with spots of brown, particularly at the great 
