4o6 A FARMER'S YEAR 



believe that these creatures cannot see — instantly began to burrow 

 into the bank. In from two to three seconds its fat black body had 

 nearly vanished, for it seemed to disappear into the soil much as a 

 hot iron sinks into snow. To pull it out needed considerable force, 

 and I fear gave the poor little thing a great fright, for, after this 

 experience, it just covered itself with loose soil and began to squeak 

 loudly. I asked the beaters not to kill it, so I hope that by now 

 it has recovered its nerve. 



My host told me a good story. At a big shoot a guest of his 

 was given an old keeper as a loader — a man of somewhat caustic 

 wit. The guest was not shooting well that day, and although he 

 fired freely very little happened. After a hot corner the groom with 

 the game-cart asked the disgusted loader if he wanted any more 

 cartridges. 



' Keertridges,' he was heard to re])ly, ' no bor ; take 'em aw^ay. 

 Keertridges ain't no use to i/s ! ' Half the joke, however, lies in 

 the Norfolk intonation, which it is impossible to reproduce, rising 

 crescendo till the last word is uttered in a modified scream. 



