ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE. 83 



satisfactorily, giving us more time to enjoy the social 

 weed, and no less companionable glass, spinning yarns 

 of deeds performed, shots made at miraculous distances, 

 and anecdotes of dogs and previous shooting com- 

 panions. During the early portion of our excursion 

 the weather was excellent, but the latter two days rain 

 never ceased, causing us to take home a much smaller 

 quantity of game than we had anticipated. 



On the first day we breakfasted at seven a.m., and on 

 rising from the table found the team waiting, according 

 to orders. But few minutes were necessary to stow in 

 our traps, and get under way. Near the confines of 

 the village (Kent, Indiana) we found birds, but our 

 driver (who was a regular Tom Draw) would not allow 

 us to alight, insisting that we must go first to our 

 intended day's sporting ground. About forty minutes 

 took us there, our charioteer beguiling the time with 

 innumerable anecdotes and songs, never being silent 

 for a moment. One ditty he was particularly attached 

 to, which I can scarcely forget, he having sung it at 

 least a dozen times : 



" My health and wealth declining, 



The doctor was called in ; 

 He spoke to me so serious 

 He spoke to me so plain 

 ' You've racked your constitution 

 By getting drunk again.' " 



