148 FIELD SHOOTING. 



latter the soil is usually vegetable mould, the rich, 

 black deposit commonly called swamp-muck. In 

 this the snipe delights above all. Snipe afford a 

 vast amount of sport, but the sport itself de- 

 mands for its proper pursuit very considerable 

 endurance and hardihood. The snipe-shooter must 

 expect to be wet and to be fatigued, but he may 

 also count upon making a good bag. It is one 

 of the most delicious birds that flies, certainly 

 second to none but the upland-plover and one or 

 two sorts of duck. Many think it second to none 

 whatever, and I doubt if it is when in prime order 

 and properly cooked and served. In places where 

 snipe are not plentiful it is no doubt advisable 

 to use a dog to beat the meadows and marshes, 

 and point them ; but such is not the case where 

 I have been accustomed to shoot. 



