THE BLACK COCK. 153 



shooting black cock, as well as the experience then 

 gained of this animal's peculiarities. 



As we had far to go we left our inn betimes, and, the 

 forester preceding us with a lantern, on we went behind 

 each other through the coppice and the low grounds, 

 where formerly there was a lake, but which lately had 

 been drained. At this season the fields and moor-land 

 were all under water, and for an hour and a half we went 

 splashing through the inundated plain. At night and 

 in the fog it was difficult not to miss the usual land- 

 marks ; and to avoid the trenches cut to carry off the 

 floods. After groping about at the spot where the huts 

 made of fir-boughs were erected, we saw them at last 

 looming through the vapour, and each of us took his sta- 

 tion in that assigned him. At this place, be it observed, 

 the ground was not under water, though shaky and very 

 marshy. 



To be out at early morning and to listen to the 

 gradual awakening of animal life around, and to 

 hear how the very earth seems to be shaking off its 

 deep slumber, and at last to see forms appearing in 

 masses, and, gradually taking well-known shapes, 

 emerge from the gloom ; — this is one of the most inte- 

 resting incidents among the very many which form the 

 sum of a hunter's life. 



For a short time after arriving in the hut all was 

 still as death. First was heard the low, sad cry of the 



