Aug. 13, 1898.] 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
133 
Reminiscences of an Old 
Sportsman. —XI V* 
The WilHngton covers that I have mentioned were, in 
the good old days, a very para#ise for the sportsman 
who was familiar with the man}' nooks and corners loved 
by the birds. But- to the stranger it was often nearly 
barren ground, for .the most likely looking spots, with 
few exceptions, were not the chosen haunts of the game. 
I well remember a most inviting bit of alder cover that 
bordered a meadow through which ran a little brook, but 
no birds were ever found here. I have worked out the 
ground nearly every time I have been in the vicinity, but 
always with the same result, and often have I resolved 
that I would never try it again, but as a well-known 
sportsman has written, "Hope springs eternal in the 
human breast." My eyes no sooner caught sight of the 
spreading alders, with the wealth of waving ferns and 
emerald grassy nooks spread so lavishly beneath, than with 
renewed hone the dogs were given the word and again 
would we thread the beautiful aisles in perfect confidence 
that this time Ave would surely find them at home. But, I 
regret to say, the only result was renewed resolve that we 
would never again be tempted to explore the beautiful 
but illusive place. 
About a quarter of a mile beyond this charming spot 
was a patch of about an acre that, so far as looks were 
concerned, held out no inducement whatever for the 
sportsman to expjore it. The cover was of straggling 
growth, interspersed with thorns and briers, while the 
ground was fully one-half covered with stones, making 
a very uninviting looking place to search for birds, but 
they were there nevertheless, and we have often brought 
to bag a full dozen woodcock in this most unpromising 
spot. 
The very cream of the whole of the extensive range 
of covers was the old "chaparral," as it was called by the 
select few who had the good fortune to share with my 
old friend, Fred Eaton, the pleasure of exploring the 
many nooks and corners of this sure abiding place of 
the shy woodcock. I shall never forget my first two 
visits to the delightful resort. Although nearly a half- 
century has passed, those two delightful days of royal 
sport still bring to me bright memories of the good old 
times, and fond recollections of my life-long friend. I 
had met Mr. Eaton the previous June on the banks of 
a trout stream, and somehow we took to each other, al- 
though he was a man of middle age, while I was only a 
boy. He promised to be at my home the evening of 
Oct. 9, so that we could take an early start the next 
morning, for he assured me that the 10th was the day 
of days for woodcock, as he had abundantly proven by 
his experience in the past twenty years. At last the 
longed for day arrived, and just at dusk Mr. Eaton 
came, and we were soon seated in front of the old- 
fashioned fireplace, where we remained until nearly mid- 
night fighting our battles over again and comparing 
notes regarding the game supply in the different locali- 
ties with which we were respectively acquainted. He 
could devote only a few days each season to his favorite 
soort, and nearly all of his shooting was over grounds 
that w r ere comparatively well known, for he could not 
afford the time to investigate unknown covers; but the 
WilHngton country he had discovered some years pre- 
viously while trouting, and he took no little pride that so 
rich a domain was all his own. We started a few minutes 
past 1 o'clock, and arrived at Mr. Eaton's usual stopping 
place shortly after 5 o'clock. Our genial host, Mr. 
Dolly, and his wife met us at the door with hearty wel- 
come, and before we had returned from taking care of 
our horse the good dame called us in to breakfast. 
Shortly after sunrise we were on our way to the chap- 
arral, which lay a short distance below the house, rather 
a straggling looking cover with an occasional poplar 
some 20 to 30ft. in height, a few large clumps of birches 
and stray clusters of scrub oak, the whole surrounded 
and connected by a smaller growth of birch and witch 
hazel, making a fairly good looking cover, but one that 
came far short of what I had been led to expect. I said 
nothing to this effect, however, for which I was soon 
profoundly, thankful. My dog came to a point just as 
he was about to enter the cover, and when I went around 
to drive the bird outside no less than four of the 
beauties rose nearly at the same instant, and about three 
seconds later every one of them was back to earth 
again. Somehow I had taken it for granted that Eaton 
could shoot, and I had no fears concerning my own per- 
formance, for I had taken my degree as a snap shot 
two years before, but Eaton, as he afterward told me, had 
doubts that a boy could acquit himself even fairly well 
among the birds, but this rather difficult double set that 
matter at rest, and a satisfied look spread over his smil- 
ing face as he tersely ejaculated "good boy." This was 
my first introduction to the chaparral, and long before 
we had explored its many nooks and corners I had nearly 
as much love for the dear old place as Eaton, for we 
found an abundance of woodcock, and enjoyed ourselves 
as only a sportsman can when, with congenial com- 
panions, a perfect day and abundant sport, he adds one 
more red-letter day to the list he so fondly recalls as the 
years pass by. Hallowed memories these, that weary 
tramps and days of unsuccessful sport only serve to 
brighten and make more dear. This was in truth a red- 
letter day to us. Mr. Eaton was just my ideal for a 
shooting companion, and I judged from his appearance 
as well as the expressions of satisfaction that" fell from 
his lips that he was well pleased with me". After we 
had worked out the cover we leturned to the house, 
smoothed the plumage of our birds — there were sixty- 
three of them — and feasted our eyes upon the goodly 
array. 
Upon comparing notes we found that this beat, bv 
several birds, all previous records that either of us had 
made. Eaton had only one day off and we were forced 
to return, much against inclination, for we had seen 
during the day quite an extensive tract of good looking 
country that we were anxious to exolore. We agreed' 
however, that we would visit the old" chaparral the next 
season upon the same date, and make arrangement for 
plenty of time to look over other covers in the vicinity. 
The anniversary of our three score and three day, as 
Eaton called it, found us again entering the cover before 
the sun was far above the horizon, and again we found 
the birds at home, for when we took account of stock wc 
counted fifty-nine. Mr. Dolly rated us soundly for this 
falling off, and at his suggestion we returned to the 
cover and beat out a small patch which we had not ex- 
plored. This patch of about two acres was really a 
portion of the chaparral, as it was only across the road 
from this cover. We soon secured the four birds neces- 
sary to tie our previous score, and without trying for 
more we returned to the house, for Eaton said that 
we should both be more pained than pleased to have the 
score wiped out that had afforded us so much pleasure 
during the past year. Not only this, but in the years to 
come, when the memory of these glorious days should 
come to cheer us, there would be an added charm in the 
thought that by staying our hands we now would have 
two of them instead of only one. 
Wc had upon this trip decided to explore some of the 
very inviting looking country in this vicinity, so the next 
morning we took an easterly course in the direction of 
quite an extensive tract of alder and birch covers, which 
we worked out thoroughly; then swinging north, beat all 
the covers within our range until it was time for lunch, 
after which we turned west, and at sunset found ourselves 
upon the hillside above, and only a short distance from 
our starting point. We had worked over much barren 
ground, but upon the whole were well pleased with our 
success, for we had found quite a number of corners 
and little runs where birds were fairly abundant, and had 
learned the places to avoid when next we came here, 
Shadow. 
[to be continued.] 
he Mmml 
Fixtures. 
Sept. 7.— Manitoba Field Trials Club trials. William C. Lee, 
Sec'y, Winnipeg, Man. 
Sept. 12. — Northwestern Field Trials Club's Champion Stake, 
near Winnipeg. Thos. Johnson, Sec'y- 
Nov. 7. — Indiana Field Trials Club's trials, Bicknell, Ind. S. 
H. Socwell, Sec'y. 
Nov. 11.— Eastern Field Trials Club's trials, Newton, N, C. 
S. C. Bradley, Sec'y. 
Nov. 15.— International Field Trial Club's trials, Chatham, Ont. 
W. B. Wells, Sec'y. 
Dec. 5-6— Missouri Valley Field Trial Club's trials. C. H. 
Werner, Sec'y. 
Dec. 5.— Continental Field Trial Club's trials, Lexington, N. 
C. W. B. Meares, Sec'y. 
Shall New York have Trials? 
Editor Forest and Stream : 
Why cannot New York State have its field trial? 
With as many thorough sportsmen and good dogs 
as there are in our State it would seem as if a field trial 
would be supported. Many of us- who dearly love our 
dogs and the sport of seeing them "tried out" cannot 
afford the time and money that it takes to go South 
to attend the trials now on the calendar. Then too 
many of our State dogs are broken for such shoo + >n<? as 
we enjoy in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, 
and would not do for the fast Southern work, while they 
would give a good account of themselves where hunt- 
ing to the gun and all that goes to make up a first-class 
shooting dog would be considered. 
I was one of the original six who, under the direction 
of Mr. Jacob Pentz — then connected with the Turf, 
Field and Farm — organized the Eastern Field Trials 
Club, took the best dogs we had at hand, went down 
to Robbin's Island and held the first trial of the club. 
I remember my black and white setter bitch Daisy di- 
vided third with one of Dr. Fleet Spear's dogs, and we 
had a grand good time all around. The little town of 
New Suffolk made us very welcome, and we went there 
again two or three years until the club outgrew its use 
for Robbin's Island and moved its trials south. A large 
number of the original members quit the club at that 
time, and I have never heard of a club in this State 
since. We had some delightful days at those first meet- 
ings of the E. F. T. Club. Some time I must write 
you two or three articles on the happenings at the first 
trials and of some of the grand sportsmen that enjoyed 
them, and how the first lady attending a field trial 
came to get there. 
But I am drifting. Whv cannot we have another 
club and hold a trial that shall determine which is the 
best hunting dog, as we want dogs to hunt here in our 
State, where speed shall not be the winning card, but 
where the dog that hunts best to the gun. is obedient 
with the least noise from his handler, that takes all 
sorts of ground with dash and without fear, that is 
stanch in the briers as well as in the open, and that shall 
retrieve nicely, shall be the dog to take home the "blue." 
Of course he must have speed, but it must be educated 
speed controlled by the knowledge of the work he is at 
and the pleasure of his handler. He must be a dog that 
will go out and stay out so long as is required of him, 
and go just where he is directed. 
I believe a State club could be gotten together on 
these lines, and I also believe that" a first-class place 
could be had for holding the trials. 
Gardiner's Island, on Gardiner's Bay, eastern end of 
Long Island, would be a grand place" if arrangements 
could be made for the trials there. It has been my 
privilege twice within the last few years to go to 
Gardiner's Island, and Mr. Lionel Gardiner, the thir- 
teenth (I believe) descendant and owner of this beau- 
tiful island, is a fine gentleman and a grand host. The 
last time I was yachting in these waters, coming down 
from Greenport through Plum Gut, I noticed Mr. 
Schermerhorn's big steam yacht Iving off Gardiner's 
Island, and was told he had leased the shooting privilege 
of the island. As to this being correct I do not know; 
but either gentleman might be willing to give the club 
the privilege of a few days on the island, especially as 
no birds to speak of would be killed. The last time 
I was on the island, on passing from one meadow to 
another to look at some of Mr. Gardiner's fine colts, we 
started bevy after bevy of quail, leaving no question 
but what there would be an abundance of birds. This 
would be an ideal spot for a trial if it could be had. We 
would, be obliged to stay at the nearest point across the 
bay on Long Island shore and go to and fro hv boat; 
but this could easily be arranged for, and a suitable boat 
' could be had probably at small cost, besides making a 
delightful little variation in the usual routine of the 
trials. If this place could not be had— and I have not 
reason to think it could other than I know that it is in 
the hands of gentlemen and I believe thoroughly good 
sportsmen — there are other club preserves on Long 
Island that might be obtained. It would at least be 
worth a trying to locate a place if the idea seems to 
meet with approval. If we find it does I shall be pleased 
to give you my ideas as to what would be required of the 
judges, dogs, and also "of the members, to make the. 
trials a success — one of value to us all 'in bringiug out 
the best dogs for our shooting, and the greatest amount 
of good clean sport. Your valuable paper could do 
much toward the club's success. E. A. Sfooner. 
New York, July US. 
A Missouri Fox Chase. 
Pittsfield, Mass. — Editor Forest and Stream: Among 
my papers I have come upon this letter from Daniel . 
Morris to Ensign M. Smith, both of Missouri, I have 
accompanied these two genial and enthusiastic sports- 
men and hunters upon several very enjoyable hunting 
trips in the Southwest. I send the letter, thinking you 
may consider it of sufficient interest for publication. 
Frank Paddock. 
On our wolf chase we had one of the finest 
days of sport I ever put in in southeast Missouri. 
The famous Jake Davison and myself left Poplar Bluff 
about 9 P. M. Tuesday, the 17th, horseback, with the 
noted thirteen, which were quite anxious for a chase 
after anything that would even try to make an escape 
from them. Everything went quite well except now and! 
then a dash by the entire pack at some scent which by 
chance may have been left by some varmint near the 
roadside; but by keeping a close lookout and using some 
sharp talk to Mr. Snort and Miss Gay, with now and 
then a little of another kind to old Drive, as you are 
aware he has quite tender feelings, we managed to arrive 
at the end of the journey, where we went into quarters 
until 7 A. M., when Miss Gay woke me by letting 
me know that it was quite time to be out. Up I got 
and seized my old ram's horn and gave it a sound that 
caused the little dog to think I was off, and in she came. 
• By a little sweet talk the dogs were persuaded to stay 
until a few moments before 8, when here came the Ham 
delegation, about fifteen, with as many dogs. Some 
five or six others joined in, and we were all soon 
mounted and off toward the wolf den. As I had been 
there before, the crowd looked to me to guide the 
hunt, and so I did, After we had gone down the rock 
road I advised the party about how I thought the wolves- 
would run if we should find them where they were before; 
so the men all did fine; every man held his place until 
the signal was given to reassemble. Myself and young 
Ham, with two others, filed off to the left on top of the 
hill, where the wolves were having a good repose, doubt- 
less from the exercise taken the night before. 
Every now and then I would talk a little to the dogs. 
Snort wanted a deer chase. I had to scold him. All at 
once there was a break and a dash, and of all the yelling 
I ever heard the best took place about this time. Every 
dog seemed to know what was up. There was no. draw- 
back in any of the dogs. Even'one Avent in with a 
vim. One would have thought the noted thirteen were 
trained to do this kind of work; but I give the Ham dogs 
the credit for the start. They all did well. About fifteen 
minutes, and bang! went a gun, and in ten minutes 
more bang! went the second shot, and five minutes more 
bang! went the third shot. It was hoav evident that 
something was hurt, as two of the three shots were from 
double-barreled shotguns: one in the hands of old man 
Ham and the other in the hands of old man Tucker. 
This was sufficient to draw myself and men toward the 
rock road, where the men were stationed, and to my 
wonder and surprise every man was at his cost, ready for 
any emergency at or near his stand. This spoke well 
for the men and was very encouraging to me. 
I waited a few moments, and lo and behold! we heard 
the sound of a horn. In response, I sounded the old 
ram's horn, which I sometimes carry on such occasions. 
This was sufficient to all the men to come: and they did 
so in haste. Old man Ham, "T mean the Representative 
Ham." was the lucky man. He had killed one wolf. 
The next thing in order was to sret the dogs and horses 
to water, so we marched in double file to Tndian Creek 
and were cooling off to the pleasure of all the dogs, "for 
it was very hot," when to my wonder and surprise iust 
across the. creek there was a voice, and lo and behold, it 
was old man Tucker, and he hallooed out: "Boys. I 
have killed one wolf and wounded the old bitch, and 
devil take the luck, if my horse did not throw me: the 
first time she ever did such a thing in nry life, but I 
got it. boys: here is the hide. Your dogs scared it and 
one red dog was running them when they come down 
this way. and I just took this one in." 
It was now near noon, and we all took over one hour's 
rest, during which time the crowd managed to tell a few 
wolf stories, and at the same time several of the men 
had brought a lunch along and there was plenty for 
every one to eat and be happy. P. M, 1:30 I com- 
manded: "Now. men, let us cross over the creek where 
Tucker wounded the old bitch, and. see if we can't start 
her up all right. All ready? Here goes! Look out! 
do not shoot anything only what you shoot at." 
On we went across the creek all in abreast, only 
some 300yds.. and: "Hold up boys, that dog smells a 
wolf! Go, Snort!" Bow. wow, wow. went fifteen or 
twenty dogs all about the same time. Bang went a rifle; 
fifteen or twenty men all brought a yell, and of all the 
fine running you ever saw. and of all the nice voices of 
dogs, fully thirty dogs all going at once, excited by the 
voices of so many men, together with the report of the 
rifle, which had been fired by one cf our party, only to 
miss the wolf, but to give the dogs the start, which 
proved to be the finest race which ever took place in this 
