38 The Partridge Family 



better, but the seasonable lack of it will not greatly 

 matter. 



From the top of the fence you scan the 

 ground and decide upon how it may best be 

 worked. You, being wiser than your comrade, 

 elect yourself to the presidency with full powers 

 to force any emergency legislation and to veto 

 anything that doesn't suit your book. Because 

 it is still early, you know that the quail may not 

 have finished breakfast, so you order a skirmish 

 through the stubble. You take the collar off the 

 dog, to prevent a useless drag, or a possible hang- 

 ing at some fence, and bid him, " Hi on ! " As 

 he darts away you slip into the weather berth, 

 i.e. upon the right of your comrade, if he be a 

 right-handed man. Some overlook the marked 

 advantages of this position, but you will not do 

 so because you know that should your companion 

 accidentally discharge his gun the shot can hardly 

 come anywhere near you. It is better so, as it is 

 better in case of accidents that the other fellow 

 should prove pattern, penetration, and whatever 

 else may be decided. An artist in his line will walk 

 along the big furrow at the windward side of the 

 field and will keep a keen eye on the ground for 

 the telltale whitish droppings. Meanwhile, the 

 dog is cutting out his ground to signal by whistle 

 and hand, and presently he slows a bit, perhaps 

 lowers his nose, and by increased stern action 



