286 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



which I have already spoken of, but they 

 were out of reach, and doubtless too wary 

 to be enticed by dubbing and feather. 



The major, in addition to his other ac- 

 quirements, was no mean proficient on 

 the violin, and in the evening the youth 

 of both sexes from the village were to 

 be seen winding down the tortuous path 

 which led to the toll-house on the bridge. 

 The widow's kitchen was often the scene 

 of innocent mirth during the major's 

 visits to Jacques Cartier ; nor did he ever 

 appear more in his element than when 

 seated on a rude table in a corner of the 

 room, and sending forth seraphic sounds 

 from his pet cremona. His music 

 breathed of the Emerald Isle ; and the 

 Canadian belles of the neighbourhood 

 have never forgotten the inspiriting effect 

 of '^ Paddy O'RafFerty," '^ Huisht the 

 Cat," and another of his favourite Irish 

 '' Planxtys." 



