indicated by holes made by his bill. In seasons of excessive drought the
Woodcock resorts in large numbers to tide water creeks and the banks of
fresh water rivers. So averse is he to an excess of water, that after
continued or very heavy rains he has been known suddenly to disappear
from widely extended tracts of country.

A curious habit of the Woodcock, and one that is comparatively little
known, is that of carrying its young in order to remove them from
danger. So many trustworthy naturalists maintain this to be true that it
must be accepted as characteristic of this interesting bird. She takes
her young from place to place in her toe grasps as scarcity of food or
safety may require.

As in the case of many birds whose colors adapt them to certain
localities or conditions of existence, the patterns of the beautiful
chestnut parts of the Woodcock mimic well the dead leaves and serve to
protect the female and her young. The whistle made by their wings when
flying is a manifestation of one of the intelligences of nature.

The male Woodcock, it is believed, when he gets his "intended" off
entirely to himself, exhibits in peculiar dances and jigs that he is
hers and hers only, or rises high on the wing cutting the most peculiar
capers and gyrations in the air, protesting to her in the grass beneath
the most earnest devotion, or advertising to her his whereabouts.

[Illustration From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences.
AMERICAN WOODCOCK.]

THE WOODCOCK.

Here is a bird that is not often seen in the daytime. During the day he
stays in the deep woods or among the tall marsh grasses.

It is at twilight that you may see him. He then comes out in search of
food.

Isn't he an odd-looking bird? His bill is made long so that he can bore
into the soft ground for earthworms.

You notice his color is much like the Ruffed Grouse in June "BIRDS."
This seems to be the color of a great many birds whose home is among the
grasses and dried leaves. Maybe you can see a reason for this.

Those who have watched the Woodcock carefully, say that he can move the
tip end of the upper part of his bill. This acts like a finger in
helping him to draw his food from the ground.

What a sight it must be to see a number of these queer looking birds at
work getting their food. If they happen to be in a swampy place, they
often find earthworms by simply turning over the dead leaves.

If there should be, near by, a field that h