In this way, during a favourable day in the early part of the season, a mixed "file and platoon" firing of glorious _coups de roi_ is kept up incessantly.

We were very unfortunate that evening, as but few ducks were in motion, and those few passed at so great a height, that, although the large A.A.rattled against them from a ponderous Purdey which a friend had lent me, they declined coming down.

I had only succeeded in getting one during my two hours' watching, when darkness forced me to beat a retreat.
But who shall presume to attempt a description of the luscious birds as they come in by pairs, "hot and hot ?" A dozen of the members of the club are assembled; a hearty and hospitable welcome greets the stranger--a welcome so warm that he cannot feel he is a stranger; every face is radiant with health, every lip moist with appetite; an unmistakeable fragrance reaches the nostrils--no further summons to the festive scene is needed.

The first and minor act of soup being over, the "smoking pair" come in, and are placed before the president.

In goes the fork;--gracious! how the juice spouts out.