Sporting Notes in the Far East. 147 



Bags. * 



i Gun. May i3th, '86. i Gun. Oct. i5th, '87 (after N.W. gale). 

 26 Snipe. 4 Quail. 13 Duck. 



i Gun. May 25th, '88 (droughty season). 

 17 Quail. 6 Snipe. 



On one occasion whilst shooting in these marshes around Chefoo 

 I had the pleasure of witnessing a most interesting little clipping, 

 out of one of Nature's books. 



A duck got up very wild out of some high reeds, and started off 

 down wind as if he was going to fly for a week. While watching 

 his flight and blessing my ill luck, as I had killed little or nothing 

 that day ; I noticed a falcon dart out from some trees, and start off 

 in hot pursuit of the now fast vanishing duck, who, on discovering 

 his peril, turned straight back and flew for his life for the refuge of 

 the reeds, that a few moments before he had so hurriedly quitted. 



And now a most exciting chase took place. All former enemies 

 were forgotten in the presence of this new 7 danger ; round and 

 round they flew once whirling past within twenty yards of where I 

 stood, the hawk stooping and striking repeatedly, but all to no 

 purpose, so quick were the turns of the terrified fugitive. At 

 length after a nearer shave than usual, Master Duck evidently 

 thought that matters were really getting too serious ; for watching 

 his opportunity, he suddenly shut his wings and fell like a bullet, 



