76 EEMIXISCENCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



saddled, instantly started off in the direction pointed 

 out, and if the intruders did not immediately give up 

 sporting, took their names, and they were reported to 

 the heads of their colleges, but this seldom occurred, as 

 they generally made off when they saw the keeper 

 coming. 



There are events in the early part of our lives, which 

 when brought to our recollection at an advanced age are 

 certainly a source of much pleasure and satisfaction, more 

 especially if they throw no dark shades on the picture, 

 and leave no trace of regret or remorse. The account I 

 am now about to give of my first battue at Greneral 

 Bulwer's at his residence, Heyden, which lasted three 

 days, combines every circumstance that could prove most 

 gratifying to the taste of some young sportsmen. Our 

 host, the Greneral, had always treated me with the greatest 

 kindness. The shooting party consisted of Colonel Har- 

 bord, afterwards Lord Suffield, Colonel Peter, his brother- 

 in-law, Mr. Merry of the War-office, and a barrister, 

 whose name I have forgotten. These were all good 

 sportsmen and agreeable companions. The shooting 

 was first-rate of that period, and the bonne chere and 

 excellent wines of our host, and pleasant conversation 

 of the party, made the evenings worthy rivals of our 

 day's enjoyment. 



The game was in great abundance, particularly phea- 

 sants, and I think we killed on the average, each day, 

 about one hundred and forty head of game, mostly hares 

 and pheasants (the rabbits were kept down on account 

 of the young plantations), and six or seven couple of 

 woodcocks. This shooting would have exactly suited the 

 taste of sportsmen who have a decided aversion to the 

 fatigue of beating strong covers, as most of the shooting 



