192 SPORTING ADVENTURES 



on the high ground, and give excellent sport 

 if shot on the wing and not potted on the tree, 

 to which they invariably fly when flushed. The 

 willow grouse is a -smaller and handsomer bird, 

 and inhabits the low, swampy ground ; it is 

 said to be the best eating of the two. 



Black-tailed deer are also plentiful, especially 

 about the neighbourhood of Green or Skirt 

 Mountains, and indeed everywhere except in the 

 immediate vicinity of Esquimalt, where they are 

 much disturbed. I have seen as many as eight 

 to ten in a day's shooting within a few miles 

 of the ship. They may be killed either with 

 the rifle or smooth bore. I prefer the latter, 

 one barrel loaded with ball, the other with 

 buck shot, for a snap shot ^in the woods. The 

 deer lay very close, often jumping up out of 

 the bracken at one's feet, when the buck shot 

 will generally roll them over ; but should that 

 fail, they invariably run for the highest ground, 

 and stand still for a few moments, giving time 

 for the second barrel. Should they not do so 

 of their own accord, a shrill whistle or shouting 



