340 BROADLAND SPORT 



with soil to intercept the vermin, which, endeavouring to enter, 

 scrape down to the netting, then give it up as hopeless. In 

 one corner artificial runs with cover traps were set ; in one of 

 these a rat had paid the penalty of venturesomeness. The top 

 of the mew was open, allowing a visitation to the harem of 

 outside admirers. Mr. Balls also explained that he always kept 

 one cock in the mew, as an extra precaution, for if not, many 

 of his eggs turned out badly, besides which it had the effect 

 of attracting cocks to enter to fight his pinioned or clipped 

 one for the ladies' favours. 



The inside was freely decorated with cut larch and fir 

 boughs, forming an excellent cover for the birds to hide or lay 

 in. The whole can be well described as the essence of rustic 

 simplicity. 



" And now, sir, the birds are drawing up to perk and 

 the sooner we turn homewards the better ; and if I may 

 make so bold, perhaps you'll come in and have a bowl of tea 

 and see the Squire's new Irish water spaniel and my old missus." 

 Our further conversation was adjourned in favour of Mrs 

 Balls' hereditary rheumatism and the spaniel pup. 



After we had agreed with the venerable Mrs Balls that 

 the weather was very very trying indeed, to say nothing of 

 dear John, who, by the way, was now luxuriating in the 

 fumes of a good cigar, we were able to again lead round the 

 conversation to the topic so ardently desired, namely, pheasants 

 and the shooting of them. 



POACHERS, AND THE HANDLING OF THEM. 



Yea, verily, sir, the man who wears velveteens may well 

 sigh. He has many enemies to malign his character in those 

 who love to handle their neighbour's property, and he cannot 

 well fulfil his calling without raising their animosity. 



Recourse to the law is often resorted to, and sometimes 

 with good effect, but, Lor' bless you, sir, I know a game far 

 better than that, and. as you know, there are few with 



