IN "THE GOOD OLD TIMES." 119 



faculties. I have the complaint myself to a large 

 extent still ; at one time I had it seriously. 



Some, however, who live in ancl by the woods are 

 not destructive, although sportsmen and naturalists. 

 They watch the creatures more for amusement, 

 regarding them as the companions of their lonely 

 labour. If a particular bird or beast is required for 

 a definite purpose, they "hev 'em," as they say. 



At one time I found much pleasure and interest 

 in the friendship of a fine old couple a woodman, 

 past -master in his craft, a fine specimen of his 

 class, over seventy years of age, but strong and 

 erect, with a clear grey eye that was always alert 

 and watchful ; the wife, every way his equal, a 

 genuine country woman, pure and simple. Their 

 cottage was clean as a new pin ; all its appointments 

 were in perfect order ; the fires made on the hearths 

 no grates ; and I can tell you, if you want to en- 

 joy a meal, go into the woods first to get an appetite, 

 and perhaps to catch your game ; then come home 

 and broil it over wood embers to my mind the 

 sweetest of all cooking. 



They had reared a large family, who had gone out 

 into the world ; all but two, who, as the mother told 



