A PIGEON HUNT ON THE OHIO. 315 



was such a gun to be had ? As I reflected thus, " moun- 

 tain howitzers" came into my mind. I remembered 

 the small mountain howitzers we had made use of in 

 scaling the steeps of the Andes. One of these loaded 

 with shot would be the very weapon. I knew there was 

 a battery of them at Covington barracks. I knew that a 

 friend of mine commanded the battery. By rail it was 

 but a few hours to Covington. I proposed sending for a 

 "mountain howitzer." 



I need hardly say that my proposal was hailed with a 

 universal welcome on the part of my companions ; and 

 without dropping a hint to the other party, it was at once 

 resolved that the design should be carried into execution. 

 A messenger was forthwith dispatched to Covington, and 

 before twelve o'clock the following day we found the little 

 howitzer at a place in the woods previously agreed upon. 



My friend, Captain C , had sent a "live corporal" 



along with it, and we had no difficulty in its management. 



As I had anticipated, it answered our purpose as though 

 it had been made for it. Every shot brought down a 

 shower of dead birds, and after one discharge alone the 

 number obtained was one hundred and twenty-three ! At 

 night our " game bag" counted over three thousand birds ! 

 We were sure of the ladies for the morrow. 



Before returning home to our certain triumph, how- 

 ever, there were some considerations. To-morrow we 



