Sporting Notes in the Far East. 167 



head. " Alas, for the middy's bran new Purdey ! " 



Into how many pieces it flew history, to spare our feelings, 

 does not relate. 



ROCKY POINT One of the best preserves on the Yang-se. 

 Covert principally low oak scrub ; and after a good breeding 

 season, pheasants are here in great numbers. 



To enjoy the best sport, it is advisable to have a party of not 

 less than three guns, with a beater apiece ; walking the scrub up in 

 line, wheeling after each beat in fact working the ground on much 

 the same system, as you would shoot over a turnip field in 

 England. 



The pheasants also inhabit the long reeds growing on the banks 

 of the river. I have heard it suggested, that they draw down to 

 these reeds in the evening for roosting purposes ; as parties return- 

 ing home along the banks, when too dark to shoot, have come 

 across them lying like stones, and very loath to move when disturbed. 

 Geese are to be shot at Rocky Point, as well as deer. 

 SINGLE TREE HILL. This again, is I believe an excellent 

 district for game ; but I am unfortunately unable to give any 

 particulars, owing to my informant being debarred from getting so 

 far up the river. 



Note. In shooting near the banks of the Yang-se, without a 

 guide ; be careful to occasionally stop, and look round to observe 

 the rough direction, that takes you home. I heard of one sports- 



