[ 244 J 



CHAPTEE XXXI. 



THE DIARY: WITH A FEW SUGGESTIONS HOW TO KEEP 



IT METHODICALLY. 



MOT a little of the interest attaching to sports generally may be attributed to the 

 ^ ^ methodical keeping up of authentic records. In fact, with some truth it may be said 

 that the popularity of a sport is largely dependent on the manner in which it is chronicled. 

 No better example could be adduced than racing, "the sport of kings," at once in the 

 forefront of popularity with its ample and authentic details. And similarly with hunting, 

 yachting, cricket, etc., whose annals furnish the most delightful reading. But for some 

 reason or other there would appear to be a more or less general reluctance to do for shooting 

 what their votaries do for the other sports they particularly affect in this part of the world ; 

 which is all the more surprising, seeing that shooting with its outings, its incidents, its 

 experiences and adventures, its glimpses of nature in all her varied conditions, and its 

 unbounded opportunities of increasing one's only too small knowledge of natural history, 

 presents the finest of fields for interesting and valuable record. What a wealth of shooting 

 lore has been lost to the sportsmen of Shanghai from the absence of well-kept diaries! 



However, it does not really follow that the future shall not be more illumined than 

 the past, and that shooting records shall not be more faithfully perpetuated ! The value of 

 a good diary is beyond question : the pleasure of keeping one is great, and increases as the 

 initial feeling of irksomeness at keeping it gradually wears off. Further, the reflection that 

 one can bestow upon others a great pleasure at the cost of a very small personal denial 

 should be some inducement to put in black and white a record, even if there be no ultimate 

 intention to keep it up other than in a rough and ready manner. 



To this end the following suggestions are offered : — 



In the first place, a special book should be kept for the record, and the larger it is 

 the less likelihood there is of its being mislaid or forgotten. 



Always write in ink, for one is apt to become careless when using a pencil : pencil 

 writing soon gets smudged and indistinct, and at the best of times never looks neat. 



Put down all incidents on the very day of their occurrence if possible, while 

 everything is fresh in the memory. Delays in this respect are very dangerous. 



The wind, weather and temperature should invariably be noted. 



Jot down a few particulars of the district in which you may be shooting, its name in 

 both English and Chinese, the lay of the country, the prevalent crops, etc. These are 

 particularly useful items for reference. Note any special flights of birds or any peculiar 

 animals you may see, or any thing, in fact, that you consider may be useful for future 

 reference. 



