262 SPORTING SKETCHES. 



a good thickly spreading tree with its huge trunk at our back, 

 and a bright blaze in front. It is unnecssary to say we welcomed 

 our lunch. Who would not under such circumstances? The 

 draughts we took to keep out the cold were not to be sneezed at, at 

 least so we thought as we filled our pipes and turned towards 

 the cheerful blaze made by burning cedar rails from an old time 

 fence. Then the sun shines out and once more we are ready 

 and our dog having finished his biscuits looks quite fresh. We 

 wade across a stream, nearly deep enough to fill our rubber 

 boots, and soon we are expecting more sport, but we are not to 

 have it. Down comes the rain again, and once more we are 

 having a pretty cool bath. In spite of wind and weather, we 

 look for birds. No more have " dropped in." - We are a little 

 early for them this season. Another week of cold and rain and 

 we shall do better. The birds will then have improved their 

 condition. So we turn toward the station, homeward bound 

 thinking it wise to catch an early train. On our road we are 

 invited to try some milk at a pleasant-looking farm house. 

 With the milk we are offered cake. The farmer's daughter who 

 gave us these acceptable luxuries, thinks, no doubt, that city 

 fofks have good appetites, for, although we had lunched, this 

 milk and cake seemed the best we had ever tasted, and the 

 lassie who handed them to us a very angel without boots. 

 " Nuff said." The train was on time, and home that evening- 

 looked brighter than usual. Such trips do not repeat them- 

 selves often enough in our sporting days, at least so we thought 

 the next morning as we gazed upon a lovely bright blue sky. 



