I04 THE RABBIT 



pheasant before it has left the covert, and while at an 

 elevation calculated to drop the shot in the face of 

 some unfortunate beater. We have seen this happen 

 more than once, and have shudderingly awaited the 

 result, expecting instantly to hear a cry of pain from 

 some recipient of the dropping pellets, an anticipation 

 which we regret to state has been occasionally fulfilled. 

 Had the positions of guest and host been reversed we 

 should have had no hesitation in rating the deHnquent 

 soundly in the hearing of the other guns, and warning 

 him that a repetition of his offence would mean dis- 

 qualification for the rest of the day, and the non- 

 receipt of any future invitation. 



The responsibilities of a shooting host are greater 

 than many seem to consider. Not only is the life of 

 the game both furred and feathered in his hands, but 

 he is responsible to a great extent for the lives of the 

 beaters, who are placed in considerable peril when 

 called upon to advance towards reckless shooters, and 

 his first care should be to reduce the danger of the 

 situation to a minimum. 



Let us quit the furze-clad common where we left 

 the shooting party with their spaniels at the end of 

 their first beat — for one beat is very much like another 

 — and take a glimpse at the very different scene which 

 presents itself when the leaves are falling in the big 



