306 A DESCRIPTION OP 
night, and by a single man, as could be contained in a 
small hamper. 
THE WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticola,) 
Is somewhat less than a partridge. The upper side of the 
body is party-coloured of red, black, and grey, very beau- 
tiful to the sight. From the bill almost to the middle of 
the head is of a reddish ash-colour. The lower part of 
the body is grey, with transverse brown lines; under the 
tail the colour is somewhat yellowish ; the chin is white, 
with a tincture of yellow. Woodcocks are migratory 
birds, coming over into Britain in autumn, and departing 
again in the beginning of spring ; yet they pair before 
they go, and are seen flying two together. 
The colours of this timid bird make him apparently like 
the withered stalks and leaves of fern, sticks, moss, and 
grass, which form the back ground of the scenery, by 
which he is sheltered in his moist and solitary retreats. 
Only, by being accustomed to it, is the sportsman enabled 
to discover him, and his leading marks are the full eye 
and glossy silver white-tipped tail of the bird. The flesh 
is held in high estimation, and hence he is eagerly sought 
after by sportsmen. It is hardly necessary to notice, that 
in dressing a Woodcock for the spit the entrails are not to be 
