OCTOBER 



IN a Garment of Yellow and Carnation, upon his 

 Head a garland of Oak-leaves with Akorns, in his 

 Right hand the Sign Scorpio, in his Left hand a Basket 

 of Medlars, Services, and Chestnuts; and any other 

 Fruits then in Season. 



ARTFUL DODGERS 



THE first day of October brings a thought for the 



pheasants; and the bird of the day is the 



October's wily old wild-bred cock, after whom a few 



Bird may go in pursuit as when he inhabits 



some lonely, outlying spinney at the mercy 



of poachers. It is certain that he will grow ever more 



wary as the season advances. Old boundary hedges are 



a favourite haunt to-day, where he still enjoys the 



blackberry season; and isolated copses, reed-beds, or 



any wild, rough ground. He will run a mile before 



taking wing, and is full of tricks ; if cornered, he has a 



magic way of disappearing, by squatting, or putting a 



129 K 



