Concord, Massachusetts.
1891.
Oct. 24
Carlisle. - Clear with drifting masses of wind clouds and
a raging N.W. wind penetrating every nook and corner
with its chill breath and on exposed slopes and hill tops
lashing the trees about wildly and roaring through their
half-naked branches. It was rather cold last night, 
water freezing in puddles in the road.
[margin]Partridge shooting[/margin]
  Thinking that it would be the day of the
season for Woodcock, Melvin and I breakfasted at
6.45 and started at about 7.20 driving directly
to Farrar's hill. On the way we saw great numbers
of Robins, Bluebirds and Sparrows (particularly Juncos)
along the roadsides - a good omen, we concluded,
but one which proved of no import for although
we beat all our best covers carefully we started
only one Woodcock during the day. Evidently
the birds which we left in these covers yesterday
had gone on south during the night and no
northern birds had taken their places.
[margin]A great "bird wave", but no flight of Woodcock[/margin]
  Shortly after we entered Farrar's birches Don began
reading a hot scent which he traced well back
into the oak woods. I followed him closely and we
finally got up the bird, a fine cock Partridge
with a very red tail. It gave me a fair brush
shot and at the report [deleted]turned[/deleted] back directly over
me rising at a steep angle and flying with
great velocity. On reaching an elevation of fully
200 ft. its wings ceased beating and it fell
whirling over and over behind some tall trees
on the hillside below me. Melvin and I went
as nearly as we could to the spot and set
the dogs to work. We soon missed his dog