56 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



CHAPTER IV. 



" Now, all amid the rigours of the year, 

 In the wild depth of winter, while without 

 The ceaseless winds blow ice, be my retreat 

 Between the groaning forest and the shore 

 Beat by the boundless multitude of waves." 



THOMSON'S SEASONS. 



Severe Season of 1838, 1839 Winter Scene on the Coast 

 Preparations for an Expedition to Pagham Harbour 

 Equipment Irish Water Spaniel Frozen Fish Arrival 

 at the Harbour Flocks of Waterfowl Wild Swans- 

 Observation and Plan of Operations Mysterious Object 

 Formidable Rival Ambuscade Various species of 

 Wild fowl Suspense The Great Gun Off at last- 

 Cripple Chase Retriever and wounded Swan The 

 Hero of the Gun-boat Return. 



THE severe winter of 1838-1839, will be long 

 remembered. The ornithologist and the wildfowl- 

 shooter, who fortunately happened to be then 

 located on our southern shores, will recal to mind 

 the acquisition of many a rare bird, and many a 

 sporting expedition by day and night which it has 

 never since fallen to his lot to realize. It is true we 

 have had hard frosts and deep snows since then, 

 and the winter which has just passed (1849-1850) 



