2G6 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
dant nor inexpert in the mysteries of the fowlingpiece,—the 
latter deliberate, though ardent, perfect with the gun, steady 
with the dogs, and a master of those noble sciences, hight, 
venerie, and woodcraft. 
They are both aptly habited for the field, in russet shooting- 
jackets, of strut corduroy, or fustian, long-waisted waistcoats, 
low-crowned hats, and ankle-hoots of cowhide. The younger 
man, however, sports a pair of loose, fashionably-cut trousers, 
while the elder has donned knee breeches, and tight russet lea¬ 
thern leggins. Each has a double-barrelled gun under his arm, 
and the other appliances of flask and pouch, hidden in his 
roomy pockets. Neither wears any game-bag, but an ivory 
whistle is suspended from the upper button-hole of both jackets. 
The dogs which are following, docile at the heel, are a brace 
of Setters of the highest breed, one a red dog, with a black 
nose, and without a speck of white, except a snip on his breast, 
and a tag to his fine, feathery stern,—the other black and tan; 
the perfection each, this of the Irish, that of the English strain, 
and indicating in some sort that perfection by their colors. 
“ And so, Peritus,” said the younger and slighter man, as they 
took their way through the outskirts of the village, “ you augur 
well of our chance of sport to-day V’ 
“ I do not think, Agilis,” replied his friend, “ that there is 
any chance about it. It has been a good breeding year for 
Quail, and they say that they are abundant; then the autumn 
has been seasonable, and the nights have not been sharp enough 
to banish the Woodcock. There is a bit of pretty Snipe ground 
on our beat too, and we shall get a few couple, without doubt. 
Those, with a brace or two of Ruffed Grouse, which, I dare say, 
we shall manage to pick up among the cedar knolls, and along 
the wood-edges, a few Hares, and, perhaps, some Wood-duck, 
or Teal, or even a Mallard, by chance, will make up something 
in the way of a bag.” 
“ Do you expect to find all these varieties of game 1 I have 
never shot above three kinds in a day.” 
“ Ah ! you have not shot before in autumn in America. For 
