308 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



in the display of his athletic powers, ap- 

 proached the Duchess's carriage in the 

 expectation of being complimented on his 

 exertions ; instead of which, one of the 

 suite asked the gentleman, to his utter 

 dismay and confusion, when this game of 

 creehay was going to begin ! 



The sportsman who may wish to under- 

 take a pedestrian tour through France 

 will never meet with the slightest check 

 or hindrance ; his passport and porte 

 d'armes in his pocket, he may wander 

 where he listeth. At every farm-house, — 

 ay, in every cabin or hut, — he will experi- 

 ence a frank and hearty welcome ; the 

 produce of his gun will be cheerfully 

 dressed by the bonne femme of the dwelling ; 

 and, lacking these, an old farm-yard cock 

 or hen will be sacrificed on the altar of 

 hospitality, and in an inconceivably short 

 space of time a savoury stew or soup will 

 smoke on the homely board. 



