A POEM. 85 



By various modes the mountain scenery gain 



Horseflesh, steam-boat, and now the railroad train ; 



All with fell purpose, and the direst will, 



To see who shall the most on this day kill. 



The veteran Sportsman seeks his bed and sleeps : 



The Tyro watches till the daylight breaks, 



And long before Aurora peeps on earth, 



With beating heart he leaves his sleepless berth ; 



With nerves unstrung, in haste he puts together 



His gun nor stays, however foul the weather. 



Two brace of steady dogs, at least, you'll need, 

 And a good guide, before you can proceed ; 

 The latter serves as marksman, carrier 

 Of ammunition flasks, and provender, 

 And generally useful makes himself, 

 If from your purse you draw sufficient pelf. 

 Without such hireling it will never do 

 T' attempt this sport, o'er moors the grouse pursue; 



