MONTAUK POINT. 311 



early date, that we pack our valise in anticipation of 

 a start on the morrow. 



Our team is at the door ; we bid adieu to some 

 ladies of the household (of whom while writing 

 these lines we have thought much, though we have, 

 until now, said nothing), and, mounting by our host's 

 side, we trot merrily over the hills, till we reach the 

 deep sandy desert of the NVpeague beach. "A 

 long pull, and a strong pull " for an hour, brings us 

 to "terra firma" again, and rattling through the 

 quaint old town of Easthampton, after a charming 

 drive, we reach Sag Harbor, where a most absurdly 

 diminutive steamer, of just seven-horse power, awaits 

 to convey us to Greenport. We part from our host 

 with sincere gratitude for the genial kindness which 

 he has shown to us during our visit, and step on the 

 narrow deck of the tiny craft. A voyage of thirteen 

 miles, made under a full head of steam in just two 

 hours and a quarter, brings us once more to the 

 beautiful village of Greenport, where the cars are 

 awaiting us. 



We return with a bag full of game, and the follow- 

 ing general conclusions and precepts impressed upon 

 our mind : In plover shooting use No. 6 shot in the 

 left barrel, for the birds are of wonderful strength 

 and require to be hit hard, or they will fly an immense 

 distance even if " sick unto death," and if crippled, 

 will sneak, and hide, and run, and cause much loss 

 of time that is precious indeed. Do not, fire too 

 soon ; as the flock will generally " double " if allowed 

 sufficient time, and then is the chance to " rake 'em 



