ON THE MAMMALIA OF THIS DISTRICT. 199 



cottage, and found all in a bustle; and I could 

 plainly see now that mischief was meant, and 

 that— 



" Still the best horse was reserved for the day 

 When Pilton was named as the meet.'' 



After the hearty greetings usual on such 

 occasions had been exchanged, we got our break- 

 fast, and then commenced preparations for the 

 " skall." We were all marshalled in front of the 

 house, and one of the oldest wood-watchers and 

 my friend the bushman were masters of the cere- 

 monies. We mustered in all about seventeen. 

 The seven best men were picked out for shooters, 

 the rest for drivers. Each man had a number 

 chalked upon his breast or cap ; and the old 

 forester laid down the plan of the day. And now 

 I had time to give a glance over the ranks, and 

 a hardier, more weather-beaten crew I think I 

 never saw in my life ; and formidable opponents 

 would such men prove in a guerilla war against 

 any enemy who dared to attack them in the fast- 

 nesses of their native forests. All were armed 

 to the teeth, and each had the Swedish bushman' s 

 never-failing friend, the axe, stuck in the girdle of 

 his leather apron. But if space only allowed me 

 to describe the guns which were brought out for 

 this occasion ! I have certainly seen some mar- 

 vellous " spouts" at a day's rook or rabbit shoot- 



