CHAPTER VIL 



IN THE FISLD. 



IN the preceding chap'ers all of our work has been of a prc- 

 •*- liminary character. Vv r e have expended much time and 

 patience in order to perfect our pupil in the rudiments of the 

 education that is so indispensable to that pride of the sports- 

 man's heart, a good dog. Long ago we thought our pet was 

 just about perfection in the performance of his duties and 

 have anxi( usly awaited the coming of the crisp October days 

 that we might pat to the test our hopes, and, by actual trial 

 in the field, demonstrate how much of wisdom pertains to 

 the course that we have pursued. Do we live amon^ the 

 forest -crowned hills, the home of the lordly ruff d grouse ; 

 long ago we have located several broods of these regal bird?, 

 and as we have piid them an occasional visit, how our blood 

 has warmed up, how our nerves have thrilled as we fondly 

 dreamed of the sp^rt in etore for us when the falling kaf 

 should proclaim that 



The hunter's glorious days have come, 



The best of all the year ; 

 When through the woodland shades we roam 



With royal sport to cheer. 



Should our home be toward the setting sun on the broad 

 prairie, whose vast expanse teems with numberless broods of 

 the toothsome chicken, with ever-growing delight and satis- 

 fjetien have we winessed from day to day the added 

 strength of the whirring pinion, and with ever-increasing 

 impatience at laggard time's slow flight have we awaited the 

 dawn of the auspicious day that brings such weal h of joy to 

 the spertsman's heart. Or, perchance, our hopes of happi- 

 ness are turning to the pride of the stubbles, the gamy, beauti- 

 ful quail. How eagerly have we beaten the feeding grounds, 

 and as the merry bevy, with tumultous roar, have bur3t upon 

 our sight, how have we, with throbbing pulse, watched the 

 flitting wings, and cirefu'ly marked their flight as they 



