REMINISCENCES OF THE LEWS. 171 



before nine, and it was a sort of twilight — a very 

 awkward shooting light — by half-past two or 

 three ; but then we were borrowers of the night 

 in going to and coining from our shooting. 

 By this time doggies and self were in condition, 

 and the world could not tire us, and I believe 

 we could have marched in the famous Light 

 Division of the Peninsula. 



Woodcock shooting on the hills is hard work, 

 and you require to walk a great deal your- 

 self — much harder than grouse shooting. "With 

 grouse you can stand still and let your dogs 

 beat for you, walking in the direction you want 

 them to cast for you. But in woodcock shoot- 

 ing you must be a sort of dog yourself, and 

 be always handy to your companions; for a 

 woodcock on a hill-side does not always sit well 

 to a dog, and if he gets up out of range you 

 won't easily get at him again, unless you stalk 

 him, which is very hard — indeed, almost impos- 

 sible. A woodcock, when he lights (on the 

 hill, I mean), almost invariably runs a little, 

 then gets up and takes a little short flight, 

 though you, perhaps, can't see it, and squats 

 again, ready to be off* the moment he sees you 

 after him. The best plan is to let him alone, 

 mark the place, and if you are coming that 

 way two or three hours later, try him again. 



