94 SHOOTING : 



Th' original idea, he first induc'd 

 The dog to aid us, which e'er since we've us'd ; 

 They now are train'd both man and gun t' obey, 

 And almost seem to know each word we say. 



Now, Guns the tow'ring Falcon supersede, 

 Which 'fore all sports, in bye gone times the lead 

 'Mongst Sportsmen took ; the trouble and the pain 

 The Falc'ner had, these wayward birds to train 

 Their prey to kill when by the Springer ris'n, 

 Was given over, when by art they'd striv'n 

 Successfully a head of game to bring 

 With shot and powder down, when on the wing ; 

 Tho' strange it seems, a century's scarce past, 

 Since shooting flying was a wondrous task 

 Few could perform, fearless of check I may 

 Boldly assert no Sportsman other way 

 Would deign to take advantage now-a-day. 

 But more of this anon, the morrow's morn 

 Will find September on the Sportsman dawn. 



