Pheasant-Stalking 233 



cover — any one walking in it could be seen — so that 

 the pheasant had to be got at from one side only. 

 It was necessary also that he should be shot dead 

 without fluttering of wings, the wood being so near. 



The afternoon sun, shining in a cloudless sky — it 

 was a still October day — beat hot against the western 

 side of the hedge as I noiselessly walked beside it 

 In the aftermath, green but flowerless, a small flock 

 of sheep were feeding — one with a long briar clinging 

 to his wool. They moved slowly before me ; a thing 

 I wanted ; for behind sheep almost any game can be 

 approached. 



I have also frequently shot rabbits that were out 

 feeding, by the aid of a herd of cows. It does not 

 seem to be so much the actual cover as the scent of 

 the animals ; for a man of course can be seen over 

 sheep, and under the legs of cattle. But the breath 

 and odour of sheep or cows prevent the game from 

 scenting him, and, what is equally effective, the cattle, 

 to which they are accustomed, throw them off" their 

 guard. 



The cart-horses in the fields do not answer so 

 well : if you try to use one for stalking, unless he 

 knows you he will sheer off" and set up a clumsy 

 gallop, being afraid of capture and a return to work. 

 But cows will feed steadily in front ; and a flock ol 



