ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



and which, is so frequently the precursor of bad and 

 stormy weather. In a little time my bag was heavy, too 

 much so to be agreeable, and, considering that I had 

 committed havoc enough, I determined to retrace my 

 steps. Another and yet another duck would come in 

 my way, and presented such fascinating shots that I 

 could not resist, so that by the time I had returned to 

 the place where I first struck the water, I was com- 

 pletely loaded. Have any of my readers ever walked 

 two or three miles, with from eight to a dozen mallard 

 ducks in the skirt of his shooting- coat ? If so, they 

 undoubtedly have vivid recollections of their weight. 

 If still a tyro, I advise you to make a trial, as a new 

 sensation will be experienced, particularly if the ground 

 is soft and muddy. I had scarcely re-entered the 

 sombre forest, when my spaniel found some ruffed 

 grouse, and treed them a short way off on the left. A 

 brace of these delicate birds would be a most acceptable 

 addition to a future dinner ; so, without hesitation, I 

 struck off to the right, to cultivate their more intimate 

 acquaintance. Advancing upon them unwarily, the 

 covey flushed, but flew only a short distance. I thought 

 my chances so remarkably good, that I would make 

 another try, but again the watchfulness of my feathered 

 friends foiled me. With a malediction on my lips, I 

 turned to retrace my steps, but for my life could not 



