The Knot. 
367 
their allotted food, which consists of very small insects 
found in the moist ground. 
" The Woodcock's early visit and abode 
Of long continuance, in our temperate clime, 
Foretell a liberal harvest." Philips. 
THE KNOT, (Tringa Canutus,) 
Is a small bird, whose head and back are of a dusky ash- 
colour, or dark grey ; while the lower part of the body 
is pure white, or white varied by black lines. The sides 
under the wings are spotted with brown. The bird weighs 
about four ounces and a half, and. generally makes its 
appearance in Lincolnshire in the beginning of winter, 
and abides there for two or three months, after which 
they fly off in flocks. They are caught in great numbers 
by nets, into which they are decoyed by carved wooden 
figures, painted to represent themselves, and placed 
within them, much in the same way as the ruff. When 
the knot is fat, its flesh is considered excellent food. It 
is also fattened for sale, and then considered equal to the 
ruff in flavour. The season for taking it is from August 
to November, after which the frost compels it to dis- 
appear. This bird is said to have been a favourite dish 
with Canute the Great ; and Camden observes that its 
name is derived from his — Knute, or Knout, as he was 
called — which, in process of time, has been changed to 
Knot. 
