So7ne Hattnts of the Snipe. 55 



close together that we should have no diffi- 

 culty In stepping from one to the other. 

 And what a multitude of snipe they shelter ! 

 Every tuft holds its bird, which displays a 

 promising reluctance to being evicted from 

 its little tenement. We will make a fine 

 bag here to-morrow, especially of Jack-Snipe, 

 though we shall have to pick them all up 

 ourselves, as no dog could work properly in 

 this network of muddy gutters. Notice how 

 firm is the centre of each clump of grass — 

 as hard as a pavement ; but a mistake of an 

 inch or two either way would land you into 

 difficulties. We shall have to be about twice 

 as careful as we are now, when carrying a 

 loaded gun and looking out for shots. 



And now we are approaching the lake, 

 which is a perfect picture of gloomy solitude. 

 All the same it is alive with living creatures, 

 around, on it, in it ; for right out in the 

 centre can be seen a great company of what 

 look like widgeon, and below them, they say, 

 swims many a giant pike. We will take the 

 latter on trust for the time being, and, judging 



