IX 



SPRING SHOOTING 



THE Ram makes way for the Bull ; 

 March goes out and April comes in with 

 sunshine and showers, smiles and tears. 

 The sportsman has his gun in hand 

 again with deadly purpose, as the angler 

 his rod and tackle with another inten- 

 tion than mere overhauling and putting 

 to rights. The smiles of April are for 

 them. 



The geese come wedging their way 

 northward ; the ducks awaken the silent 

 marshes with the whistle of their pin- 

 ions ; the snipe come in pairs and wisps 

 to the thawing bogs all on their way 

 to breeding grounds and summer homes. 

 The tears of April are for them. Wher- 

 ever they stop for a day's or an hour's 

 rest, and a little food to strengthen and 

 hearten them for their long journey, the 

 deadly, frightful gun awaits to kill, maim, 

 or terrify, more merciless than all the 

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