88 With Rod and Gun in New England 



ment, other pairs can be, and I have no doubt that our fast-diminishing 

 stock of ruffed grouse could be increased indefinitely, provided some one 

 would take the initiative in rearing them. The English, Chinese and Mon- 

 golian pheasants are now reared in captivity, and there is no reason why 

 the ruffed grouse may not be. 



" Almost ten o 'clock, gentlemen " ! exclaimed the Judge, as he con- 

 sulted his watch by the light of a burning match. " It 's time ' honest men 

 were abed and rogues moving.' " 



Our beds were quickly arranged, and, as my companions prepared for 

 the night, I stepped outside the tent to ascertain if the fire was burned 

 down so that there was no danger of its spreading into the woods. This 

 is my invariable custom, for I hold that a conflagration in the forest that is 

 caused by carelessly-attended camp fires is a needless and unpardonable 

 calamity. I found that the lire was dead, a few red coals being all there 

 was to indicate its presence. 



The full, round moon was shining like a great silver sphere above the 

 eastern mountains, its bright rays being mirrored in glinting streams 

 across the bosom of the lake. In a few minutes I rejoined my friends, 

 and soon we were lulled to sleep by the musical tones of the falls. 



