88 FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
the edge of the lower mandible, 2|*; tarsus, ; middle toe, 
l r 5 2 , its claw, l ] weight, 6*oz. 
u Adult Female. 
“ The female, which is considerably larger, has the same co¬ 
lors as the male. 
“ Length to end of tail, ll-^ ; to end of wings, lOfV ; to end 
of claws, 13i^; wing, from flexure, 5fV; tail, 2j %; bill along 
the ridge, 2 ft; along the edge of lower mandible, 2ff; tarsus, 
li 2 ; middle toe, 1 1 %; its claw, i ; weight, 8foz. 
u Fledged young. 
u When fully fledged, similar to the old birds.”— Audubon’s 
Birds of America. 
u This bird is universally known to our sportsmen. It arrives 
in Pennsylvania early in March—sometimes sooner—and, I 
doubt not, in mild winters, some few remain with us the whole 
of that season. 
c< During the day they keep to the woods and thickets, and at 
the approach of evening seek the high and open country places 
to feed in. They soon disperse themselves over the country to 
breed. About the beginning of July, particularly in long-conti¬ 
nued hot weather, they descend to the marshy shores of our 
large rivers, their favorite springs and watery recesses inland 
being chiefly dried up. To the former of these retreats they 
are pursued by the merciless sportsman, flushed by dogs, and 
shot down in great numbers. This species of amusement, when 
eagerly followed, is still more laborious than Snipe-shooting; 
and, from the nature of the ground, or u cripple,” as it is usually 
called—viz., deep mud intersected with old logs, which are co¬ 
vered 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. 
a 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 
