THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 231 



patience this evil would be remedied, for 

 the young birds would not only be stronger 

 on the wing, but, being wilder also, would 

 take flight with the old ones, and thus 

 afford a chance, at least, to the hens. 



While I am on this subject, I may here 

 mention another besetting sin, which cries 

 loudly for reform, and that is, the manner 

 in which grouse are forwarded as presents 

 to the friends of the sportsman : no care 

 whatever is taken in packing them up, 

 and as little in the shooting of them. 

 The greater part of the birds that drop to 

 the gun in the month of August are the 

 young ones, and generally at such short 

 distances, in consequence of the over- 

 anxiety of the shooter, that they are 

 blown to ribbons. In this state they are 

 crammed into a close pocket, or a game- 

 bag, and, when shaken out, are usually a 

 mass of putridity. This accounts for the 

 many living cargoes imported into this 

 country from the Highlands. ^ 



