These Birds are in plenty among the woody parts of _England,_ from
_September_ till the end of _March,_ and then they all leave us at one
time, except only such as have been lamed by the Sportsmen, and disabled
for Flight; and then they will breed in _England,_ as there are Instances
enough. About _Tunbridge,_ it is frequent to find them in Summer; and I
have known the same in _Leicestershire._ I think if one could take
Woodcocks here in Hay-Nets, as they do in _France,_ and pinion them or
disable a Wing, and then turn them loose again, we might raise a Breed of
them that would stay with us; but I have experienced that they will not
feed if they are confined in Cages or Aviaries, for they must have liberty
to run in search of their Food, which they find for the most part in moist
places, near Springs; for I have often taken both the Woodcock and the
Snipe with such Snares as are made for Larks, by laying them in the Night
on the Bank of Rivulets, or watery Trenches near Woods.
* * * * *
NOVEMBER.
Pheasants are still in season, and are now chiefly roasted, for they are
not so frequently boiled, till about _April,_ and then only the Hens when
they are full of Eggs; but that, I think, is too destroying a way.
Pages:
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185