A FAVOURITE SPOT. 289 



ing; for if we killed a couple of dozen going with the 

 stream, the number bagged would be about the same 

 returning in the reverse direction. And day after day no 

 apparent diminution in our sport occurred, for the vast 

 sloughs in the surrounding prairie immediately supplied 

 the deficit occasioned by our labours. There were other 

 pleasures attached to this delightful locality that never 

 could fail to delight the naturalist or sportsman ; for the 

 fleet, timid, watchful-eared deer, the fussy, pompous wild 

 turkey, and graceful, swift-winged ruffed grouse were also 

 partial to this retreat, and few were the days that we did 

 not see several of each, rushing off on rapid feet or wing to 

 hide themselves from the dangerous intruders on their 

 demesne. This spot cannot be much changed, for it is 

 only seven years or so since I was there, and it is some 

 distance from railroads ; but even supposing the game be 

 reduced one half, then there would be ample left to induce 

 me to go many a long and weary mile to revisit it. My old 

 shooting companion and very dear friend, Nathaniel West, 

 a year or two since was still residing at Kent, Indiana, not 

 many miles from the Irequois. If the reader be of the 

 right sort, id est, willing to do a fair day's work for a fair 

 day's sport, and acknowledge that there are as good 

 countries in the world as our own, let him call upon him, 

 and he will return satisfied that America can and does 

 produce as good shots and sportsmen as England. 



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