How happy could I be on heather,
A-shooting at grouse all the day,
If only the birds in high feather
Would not, when I shoot, fly away!
* * * * *
[Illustration: _Brown_ (_after an hour's digging for the ferret_). "Call
this rabbit shootin'? _I_ call it landscape gardening!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: "So you don't think much of my retrievers?"
"On the contrary. I think you have two most valuable watch dogs."]
* * * * *
"ONCE HIT TWICE SHY."--_Guest_ (_taking keeper aside_). "Look here,
Smithers"--(_gives half-a-sov._)--"Put me out o' gunshot of the Squire.
He does shoot so precious wild, and my nerve isn't what it used to be!"
* * * * *
[Illustration: "GROUND GAME."--_Wife._ "Ah, then you've been successful
at last, dear!"
_Husband_ (_prevaricating_). "Ye--yes, I bagged----"
_Wife_ (_sniffing_). "And _high_ time you did! I should say by the--oh!
it must be cooked to-day!"
[_It came out afterwards the impostor had bagged it at the poulterer's_
]
* * * * *
[Illustration: SCENE--_A shooting party, August 12_ (_M. F. H. is
introduced to distinguished foreigner_) "You hunt much of the fox,
monsieur? I also, and have already of him shot twenty-five, and have
wounded many more!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: HIS "FIRST."--_Brown_ (_good chap, but never fired a gun
in his life_)._ "I say, you fellows, I don't mind confessing that I am a
bit nervous, you know. _I hope none of you will pepper me!_"]
* * * * *