274 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



than the wealthy sportsman who has grown cold and 

 callous in pursuit of the almighty dollar. That doughty 

 old highland chieftain, Roderick Dhu, in entertaining his 

 royal adversary, Fitz James, evinced the true spirit of 

 courtesy when 



" He gave him of his highland cheer, 

 The hardened flesh of mountain deer." 



Considering the time and circumstance and surround- 

 ings, the rude feast thus provided was a truer test of 

 hospitality than many a banquet of rarest viands. 



Inasmuch as the ethics of sportsmanship can not be 

 practically learned from books, or even imparted by pre- 

 cept, it would be useless to attempt to lay down the rules 

 that should govern the shooter's conduct when afield. 

 The task, at best, so far as it could be theoretically per- 

 formed, would require the tact of a Chesterfield, with 

 more space at command than can be accorded in a single 

 chapter. In lieu, therefore, of a set formula, it will be 

 safer to touch upon a few of the negative qualities often 

 unconsciously developed, or, at least, exercised without 

 restraint. 



In the field with genial companions and no others 

 need be considered one should lay aside the selfishness 

 associated with business life, and assume the nobler 

 attributes of his nature. Let him lock the spirit of avarice 

 in his office safe, within the deepest receptacle, and if he 

 can forget the combination to reach and resurrect it, so 

 much the better. At all events, let him show as little 

 of avarice and as much of kindliness as possible. He 

 whose greed can not be held in check, should be content to 

 take solitary rambles with dog and gun. Possibly the 

 bountiful character of Dame Nature may subdue his 

 selfishness, open his heart and hand, and teach him the 

 true philosophy of out-door recreation its social and. 

 moral requirements. 



