PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 197 



When a covey springs at any distance between 

 the sportsman and twenty yards, a brace ought 

 to be brought down. It is cruel, however, to 

 attempt the feat at long odds; as by the 

 time the second barrel has despatched its mes- 

 sengers, the bird may be so far ahead as to be 

 only wounded, or the shot may be scattered 

 so as to maim a couple of birds, who can just 

 wriggle out of view to die a lingering death 

 by the side of a ditch. Much has been said 

 about the system of modern agriculture inter- 

 fering with this sport, shaving the stubbles, 

 removing hedges, etc. ; but there are plenty of 

 birds if not too many when all this has 

 been said. I am more concerned for the dogs, 

 who, if partridges are to be " driven," might as 

 well be tied up altogether. By the way, some 

 one, a few years ago, suggested shoeing pointers, 

 the modern stubble being so short as to pierce 

 the feet, and render the dogs lame after a few 

 days' work. This might be done, perhaps, 

 without impeding the action of the dog, and an 

 encasement at the same time for the lash of his 

 tail would be no harm. The setter is naturally 

 better protected, and it is anything but a plea- 



