HA WRING 395 



For my own part, I prefer this kind of sport 

 without the beaters, and with the assistance of 

 some few couples of well-broken, resolute spaniels. 

 The beaters spoil good dogs by pressing them 

 forward too rapidly, and also by shouting. The 

 other system is doubtless more amusing, but I 

 like to hear my dogs give tongue, and to let them 

 do the work themselves. 



The old-world sport of hawking still survives 

 in our down-country, nor could any description of 

 ground be more suitable for it. More than one 

 of our Downshire roads still bears the name of 

 Hawking Road or Hawkers' Path. 



The badger still makes his home in the neigh- 

 bouring woods or on the rougher hillsides. Long 

 may he be left in peace ! for though he bears an 

 evil reputation, and smells most foully, he is a 

 clean and inoffensive beast, and ' more sinned 

 against than sinning.' 



Time was when the great bustard was no rarity 

 on our Southern downs. A brace of such birds 

 would be a goodly burthen for any ordinary 

 man. 



But the evening breeze is rising, and blows 

 keenly, and we must turn our heads homewards. 

 As the sun sinks beneath the skyline, the hill- 

 sides change from green to olive colour, and the 

 gorse looks black in the fast-fading light. High 

 overhead a curlew whistles plaintively as it wings 

 its way to the stubbles ; here and there a light 

 shines out from some cottage window in the distant 



