270 SPORTING SKETCHES. 



trying to act 011 the lazy man's bad principle, by bringing them 

 out all at once, which was impossible, he adopted the proper 

 course of bringing them one by one, after the loss of much time. 



In those days we used to have four or five weeks of good sum- 

 mer cock-shooting, the open season commencing on the 15th 

 July, when the young birds were well fledged, and in good condi- 

 tion, whereas now the open season begins on the 1st September, 

 when the birds are few, yet in their moultage, full of dust and 

 pin feathers, in a sickly condition, and unfit for the table, and 

 consequently should not be shot. Whoever were instrumental 

 in changing the law knew little of the habits of the bird they 

 were interesting themselves about. After our afternoon's sport 

 and return to town, we dined at " Dolly's," where we met several 

 of our sporting friends (some of whom are still living), who were 

 much amused with our singular experience of aiming and firing 

 at a cock, and killing seven ducks not aimed at. The Fish and 

 Game Protection Club was established in 1859, thirty-one years 

 ago. The game laws at that time existing were very imperfect, 

 and the provisions of the same seldom enforced. Large and 

 small game of all kind were in great abundance, and were wan- 

 tonly destroyed by pot-hunters and others at all seasons of the 

 year. Partridge and black duck were then sold in our market as 

 low as 20c. a brace. 



Were it not for the united efforts of this and the Quebec Club, 

 fish and game could only be found on the tables of the wealthy 

 to-day. The club continued its work with great energy up to 

 1870, when, from lack of funds and encouragement by the Gov- 

 ernment and general public, it suspended its operations. No 

 meetings were held or business transacted until 1875, although 

 the office-bearers never relinquished their positions as such, be- 

 lieving that at no distant day the club would be revived and re- 

 sume its good work with fresh vigor, which it did. On the llth 

 of May, 1875, a circular was issued, signed by the then president, 

 Judge Betournay, Henry McKay, Esq. (past president), and H W. 

 King, Esq. (second secretary), calling a meeting of the members 

 and others interested, with a view to reorganizing the club. In 

 accordance with the circular, the meeting was held and the fol- 

 lowing gentlemen were present, namely, George A. Drummond, 

 Henry McKay, John Ogilvy, W. H. Rintoul, F. G. Brady, W. H. 

 Kerr and Alex. Murray, all old members of the club, as well as 



