SHOOTING BY MOONLIGHT. 115 



twenty children. Upon investigation the real number is 

 found to be sixteen or seventeen, yet nothing on earth 

 will convince the mother that she has not given birth to a 

 score. They get hazy in figures when exceeding a dozen. 



SHOOTING WOOD-PIGEONS BY MOONLIGHT. 



A pigeon is not easily brought down the quills are 

 so stiff and strong that the shot, if it comes aslant, will 

 glance off. Many pigeons roost in the oaks of the hedges, 

 choosing by preference one well hung with ivy, and when 

 it is a moonlit night afford tolerable sport. It requires a 



