1 6 EXPERIENCES OF SPORT. 



The gun, to my young fancy and small experi- 

 ence, looked good, and all that could be desired. 

 Proof marks were not wanting, and though the 

 locks went a little hard and coarse, " Hang it," 

 thought I, " keepers never do have their guns 

 in good order. When I have taken them to 

 pieces they will be first chop and all right." 

 The spaniel was both good and handsome. 



My purchase was kept quiet, cleaned, and 

 ojled; and as the next day was the annual 

 pigeon match of our village sparrow club, I de- 

 termined on coming out in force. 



This pigeon match was always shot in one of 

 my father's fields, and at two p.m. the traps 

 were set, and all in readiness. I suppose there 

 might have been fifty farmers, and others, there. 



The sides were made, and the match began. 



" Young captain's side wins, for a crowm" 

 shouted old Mathew our keeper. " I are with 

 'um. I taught 'um how to shute (shoot) and 

 he can shute, too darned if he can't. I'll bet 

 'ee a bob he kills his first bird." 



I stood at the trap in all my pride, with the 

 famous new gun in hand. 



" Now, young measter," shouts Mathew, 



