OTTER HUNTING, FALCONRY, SHOOTING 127 



of a thick hedge, and a small dog accustomed to the 

 hawks, and one they know well, is necessary. Still, the 

 majority of kills, if there is luck, take place in the open. 

 But if one wished to make a man a falconer, he should 

 be taken on to the moors. He would recollect many a 

 good day's shooting to dogs, his own favourite pointers 

 and setters ; how well they ranged, how thoroughly steady 

 they were to points, and to c down-charge,' how proud 

 he was to show them to his friends. He might remember, 

 too, his patience at the butts till the pack came over, and 

 the splendid rights and lefts. 



No doubt this is very fine, but you will show your 

 friend something still finer. And, in writing this, I may 

 in some trifling measure repeat what I have just written. 

 You and he have been running over heather, you both 

 have positively drunk the mountain-air ; fragrance, the very 

 strength of a life-giving fragrance, has been the breath 

 of your nostrils. More than that ! Up in the cloudless 

 sky has circled the bird, who you know has watched your 

 every movement, has waited for your help as patiently 

 as you have waited for hers. She could have left you, 

 and have been twenty miles away in almost as many 

 minutes. She chose you before that. What will your 

 friend think of this sport ? How marvellously patient 

 she is ! You pause ; the partridges lay close, but they 

 are off now. One flash from above, the bright sun on 

 her wings ; the shout that called her still ringing ! The 

 leading old cock spins from the stroke of her foot ; she is 



