CHAPTER V 
PARTRIDGE-SHOOTING 
Anticipation—Modern methods—Weather and wildness—The more 
birds, the wilder they are—Towering birds—The legs-down 
fallacy—The cloud of feathers—Some stories—Driving—Skill 
and circumstances—Observations on driving. 
THERE is in the anticipation of September partridge- 
shooting a pleasure almost equal to that of consum- 
mation. There is no perfume comparable to that 
enchanting blend of charlock flowers, turnips, clover- 
heads, and stubble. I wonder on how many even- 
ings of late August I have paused by some gate 
on the fringe of my partridge-fields to enjoy a pipe 
of fragrant shag ; to sniff the savour of dewy earth ; 
to hear the lullabies of crouching coveys; and to 
listen to what sounds gave requiem to-day. What 
incense came from those beloved fields! What 
glorious nocturnes in the call of partridges and 
the wild wail of the curlew! | 
The keeper of to-day has good reason to rejoice 
that the high stubbles and tall turnips are no more. 
Just imagine how partridges would fare in front of 
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