SHOOTING IN ALBANIA. 69 



umph. In the meantime, woodcocks keep rising 

 and flying in all directions ; powder and shot are 

 expended at an inconceivable rate. The covers, 

 being very thick and difficult to walk in, many 

 more than a proportionate number of shots are 

 fired to the game bagged : but then it is such a 

 satisfaction to pull down a difficult shot ; such a 

 delight to find a bird that one has heard, but not 

 seen, tumbling dead at one's feet ; such a contrast 

 to the tame, easy, milk-and-water shooting of tame 

 birds, which get up steadily, and give time for 

 ^^ gunning j' — for a long, steady, sure aim. Now 

 a shot is heard ; " Who shot that cock ?" (the 

 bird in question having flown away untouched). 

 " / did," cries some one who knew that he had 

 fired, but did not see that he got away. " Then 

 you shot me," says the first; "Why don't you 

 mind how you shoot? I've got half your shot in 

 the top of my hat." " Never mind this time ; 

 no harm done :" and on we go again. The firing 

 continues like that of a cloud of skirmishers. 

 The followers begin to labour under the weight of 

 the fast-filling game-bags, and at last a halt is 

 called by the leader. The other bags are in re- 

 quisition, and sundry exhibits, in the shape of 



