AUTUMN BIRD LIFE 261 



the blackcock may join the partridge in the stubble ; 

 the partridge may be driven from the upland fields 

 to the richer, and more sheltered lowlands; and 

 that is about the utmost range. 



But, there are several important additions to the 

 winter birds for the gun. At times every true 

 sportsman must tire of conventional shooting. A 

 moor is apt to get monotonous in proportion as it 

 is well stocked, and a bag uninteresting in propor- 

 tion as it is well filled. A hundred and fifty brace, 

 all grouse, is often a hundred too many. The secret 

 of true sport is not knowing what is coming next. 

 The charm of emptying, as of filling a bag is the 

 variety of feather. 



One may find a freshness in the wild and way- 

 ward game, which seem to be so much a part of 

 the wild and windy days, with their freshening 

 rains; and invade with gusto the spongy marshes, 

 taking with the utmost good-humour the frequent 

 stumblings over rush-concealed stones, and into 

 hidden pools. The sudden sharp " scaip " as some- 

 thing rises, and, with a rapid flight, swiftly mingles 

 with the grey ; the quick shot at the disappearing 

 shadow; the walk home in the fading light; the 

 change from wet to dry garments; all make an 

 ideal close to the year's . inland sport. 



