PODGERS' POINTEE 



I AM not a sporting man — I never possessed either 

 a dog or a gun — I never fired a shot in my life, and 

 the points of a canine quadruped are as unknown 

 to me as those of the sea-serpent. The 12th of 

 August is a mystery, and the 1st of September a 

 sealed book. I have been regarded with well- 

 merited contempt at the club by asking for grouse 

 in the month of June, and for woodcock in Sep- 

 tember. I think it is just as well to mention these 

 matters, lest it should be supposed that I desire to 

 sail under false colours. I am acquainted with 

 several men who shoot, and also with some who 

 have shooting to give away. The former very 

 frequently invite me to join their parties at the 

 moors, turnip-fields, and woods; the latter press 

 their shooting on me, especially when I decline on 

 the grounds of disinclination and incapacity. 



'' I wish I had your chances, Brown," howls poor 

 little Binks, who can bring down any known bird 

 at any given distance. " You're always getting 

 invitations because you cant shoot ; and I cannot 



8q 



