2 LEAVES FROM A GAME BOOK. 



the 23rd December, 1853, was nothing better than a red 

 glazed tradesman's book, it has by degrees developed into 

 a somewhat portly volume. On the date above mentioned 

 it is recorded, in schoolboy writing, that *' Old Shorter 

 (the head keeper) took me ferreting — shot seven rabbits — 

 missed eight ; " this great event taking place in Mount- 

 field Park, Sussex, I then being not quite thirteen years 

 old. But, nevertheless, putting aside the " potting " of 

 sundry thrushes, fieldfares, &c., this was the very first 

 start of my shooting life. 



To come, however, to more recent periods, my game 

 book certifies that in the twenty-one seasons commencing 

 from 12th August, 1877, and ending 1st February, 1898, 

 I have been present at the death of 76,577 head of game, 

 made up as follows : — 



Red stags (chiefly to own rifle) . 107 



Fallow bucks . . . . . 11 



Roe bucks ..... 4 



Ptarmigan . . . . . 89 



Carried forward . , 211 



