PHEASANTS FROM SHELL TO SHOT 353 



simple for pheasants to be kept, and good sport shown with 

 them, on almost any estate (of fair size), provided, of course, 

 a certain amount of attention and a little trouble is given. 

 " A ramble round any properly-laid-out coverts " should tell 

 that the secret lies in the utilisation of the waste grounds to 

 make temporary holding places for the birds. 



When the enthusiastic Mr Balls at last stopped for a 

 breather we chimed in that the time was getting away and 

 the rising mists might make the return journey over the 

 marshes difficult, not to say dangerous. Poor old Balls was all 

 apologies for having chattered so much, but on hearing that it 

 had delighted us beyond measure to listen, and that we should 

 not visit him again if he talked less, he conducted the way 

 to his rustic porch beaming over with good-nature, and he would 

 have gone further and seen us safely along the marsh dam 

 had we not almost forcibly insisted upon his remaining by his 

 own comfortable fireside. 



The stars were bright overhead when the cottage door 

 creaked on its hinges, and the mists were rising. 



" Good-night, sir, I shall look forward to your next visit. 

 Good-night, sir ! " The door is put to, the flood of flickering 

 firelight shut in which, as Gray expresses it, 



" Leaves the world to darkness and to me." 



