RURAL SPORTS 



in all respects, and are found in great abundance in the usual 

 haunts of snipes. 



384. The grouse is precisely like the Scotch grouse. There is 

 only here and there a place where they are found. But, they are, 

 in those places, killed in great quantities in the fall of the year. 



385. As to wild ducks and other water- fowl, which are come at 

 by lying in wait, and killed most frequently swimming, or sitting, 

 they are slaughtered in whole flocks. An American counts the 

 cost of powder and shot. If he is deliberate in every thing else, 

 this habit will hardly forsake him in the act of shooting. When 

 the sentimental flesh- eaters hear the report of his gun, they may 

 begin to pull out their white handkerchiefs ; for death follows 

 his pull of the trigger, with perhaps, even more certainty than 

 it used to follow the lancet of DOCTOR RUSH. 



386. The PLOVER is a fine bird, and is found in great numbers 

 upon the plains, and in the cultivated fields, of this Island, and 

 at a mile from my house. Plovers are very shy and wary : but 

 they have ingenious enemies to deal with. A waggon, or carriage 

 of some sort, is made use of to approach them ; and then they are 

 easily killed. 



387. Rabbits are very abundant in some places. They are 

 killed by shooting ; for all here is done with the gun. No reliance 

 is placed upon a dog. 



388. As to game-laws there are none, except those which appoint 

 the times for killing. People go where they like, and, as to wild 

 animals, shoot what they like. There is the Common Law, 

 which forbids trespass, and the Statute Law, I believe, of 

 &quot; malicious trespass,&quot; or trespass after warning. And these are 

 more than enough ; for nobody, that I ever hear of, warns people 

 off. So that, as far as shooting goes, and that is the sport which 

 is the most general favourite, there never was a more delightful 

 country than this Island. The sky is so fair, the soil so dry, 

 the cover so convenient, the game so abundant, and the people, 

 go where you will, so civil, hospitable, and kind. 



