THE ISLANDS OF SARDINIA AND CORSICA. 



21 



are abundant in marshy localities. Twice with three 

 guns we have killed over eighty couple in a few hours. 



In Corsica the game laws are much more strictly 

 observed than in Sardinia ; but every year the 

 authorities are becoming more strict in the latter 

 island with regard to their observance. Except in 

 the towns, and with regard to exportation, the regula- 

 tions as to the killing of wild animals are, and always 

 will be, but a dead letter, and for this reason, that in the 

 mountains and smaller villages almost all the natives 

 carry arms. In addition to the ordinary licence, 

 there is one to carry arms for purposes of self- 

 defence, and with or without this licence almost 

 every one goes armed. The labourer going to his 

 vineyard to work in the morning carries with him 

 his gun, for the private feuds are innumerable, like 

 the "vendetta " in Corsica between individuals; and 

 between certain villages there is much ill-feeling. 



As in Corsica, so in Sardinia, there are a few out- 

 laws, who live mostly in the mountains. There is 

 nothing to be feared from them. On one occasion 

 when the English servant, on another when I myself 

 was alone in camp, parties of rough-looking men 

 made an inspection of the tents. The first-mentioned 

 presented a six-shooter at them, upon which they 

 made off. On no occasions should large sums of 

 money be shown. Though there are " black sheep " 

 everywhere, the Sards may truly be characterized as 

 quiet, hospitable, and gentlemanly. 



On our arrival at Cagliari from Tunis licences had 



