ROMEO AND JULIET, ETC. 209 



birds that might be wounded, it was nem. can. agreed 

 that it should be discontinued. 



With black game any manner of ruse is excusable, 

 as they are nearly unapproachable when full-grown 

 except by silent and artful going in cover or, in the 

 open, by having them driven ; besides, the packs of 

 black game are neither so large, nor do they fly so 

 close together, as grouse, thus there is less chance 

 of damaging outsiders. Moreover, when started they 

 usually go swiftly past, three or four together, 

 affording famous sport to a good quick shot, who 

 can sight and drop the old cocks out of each passing 

 flight ; but, oh dear ! this is a sport especially 

 disastrous to muffs- How pitiful they do look as 

 they stand with the smoke scarcely arisen from their 

 harmless guns, and the great blackcock skimming on 

 to the woods ! How an enthusiastic novice CAN sleep, 

 after having that day missed six consecutive groups 

 of black game, is only to be accounted for by fatigue. 

 An evil conscience should be mild to his self-reproach. 

 Yet there are seared or stolid individuals who refuse 

 to feel humbled in such circumstances men who 

 will sleep soundly, and hold up their heads next 

 day at breakfast. 



Several excursions had been made to the north and 



p 



