THE FRINGE OF THE MOOR' 245 



broods during the last days of August. At this time the 

 cockney sportsman, having noted in the almanac that on 

 August 20 ' Black-game shooting begins,' sallies forth, 

 and decimates the immature pullets, none of which 

 will fly far, while nearly all could be caught by the 

 hand in the thick heather after the dog has ascertained 

 their whereabouts. The old cock he probably never 

 sees, or if he does he misses him, and the old hen 

 most likely escapes also. Having done as much 

 harm as it is possible to do in the day, he will return 

 and indite an account of his prowess to the ' Field ; ' 

 quaintly remarking that he ' had i8| brace of black- 

 game ' on the 2oth. Since he clearly need not have 

 shot the majority of them, and should be ashamed of 

 himself if he did, the fact that he possessed them is 

 perhaps all that need be recorded. But it may be 

 added that a young blackcock whom you happen upon 

 ' in the way of business ' is, if you let him get far 

 enough before putting shot into him, one of the most 

 delicious of all birds for the table. 



Stalking black-game, whether on the stocks of corn, 

 or later on the open moor and pastures, is a very 

 agreeable art, and one which will try your skill and 

 sportsmanlike qualities to the utmost. Foul weather, 

 when it is hardly fit to be out, is the best for this. 

 You will then find the old cocks, which should always 



