406 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 reply, ' no bor ; take 'em away. 

 Keertridges ain't no use to us \ ' 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. 



