134 WOODLAND, MOOR, AND STREAM 



value of the creature he requires, and exactly where 

 to place or dispose of it when procured. We have all 

 seen and admired collections belonging to men of 

 means ; well set-up by artists the birds often are ; for 

 a man must be an artist to be able to make a dead 

 creature appear truly lifelike. And over the trim 

 cases with their labels in Latin and English, the gun 

 with which their owner is supposed to have shot them 

 may be seen suspended on the wall. No doubt some 

 were shot as the visitor is led to suppose ; but my 

 pleasure in several such collections is often disturbed 

 by the remembrance of a gaunt, hollow-eyed man with 

 a hacking cough which was never cured, in scanty, 

 dilapidated clothing, and shoes much the worse for 

 wear. His gun was rust-eaten, but it was a very sure 

 one in his hands. Peregrine or bittern, heron and 

 rail, all fell before his aim. He had one terrible 

 weakness, however, poor fellow he drank too freely, 

 and whenever he had procured a good specimen his 

 money went freely too. 



When he had anything good his steps were 

 always bent in the direction of the collections afore- 

 mentioned. The poor fellow is dead now ; a fit of 

 coughing, which caused the rupture of a blood-vessel, 

 ended his life. Silver shot never fails in killing, be the 

 bird what it may. 



