The partridge is a cunning bird, He likes not those who bring him down: From age to age he has preferred The shots that blaze into the brown, Whose stocks come never shoulder high, Who never pause to pick and choose, But on whose biceps you descry The black, the blue, the tell-tale bruise. Or should a stubborn cartridge swell, And jam, as it may chance, your gun, The sly old partridge knows it well, "Great Scott!" he seems to chirp "here's fun!" He gathers all his feathered tribe, They leave the stubble or the grass, And with one wild and whirling gibe Above your silent muzzles pass. Your scheme you carefully contrive, And, while each beater waves his flag, Your fancy, as they duly drive, Already sees a record bag. But lo! they baulk your keen desire, For, though with birds the sky grows black, Not one of them will face the fire, And every blessed bird goes back. For partridges I'll try no more; Why should I waste in grim despair? Take me to far Albania's shore, And let me bag the woodcock there. Or on the Susquehanna's stream I'll shoot with every chance of luck The gourmet's glory and his dream, The canvas-back, that juicy duck. Yea, any other bird I'll shoot, But not again with toil and pain I'll tramp the stubble or the root. Nor wait behind a fence in vain. For of all birds you hit or miss (I've tried it out by every test), Again I say with emphasis The partridge is the cunningest. * * * * * [Illustration: HINTS TO BEGINNERS.--When going out before daylight after ducks, waders are advisable. Also, better tell your wife she need not come down (just when you expect the ducks) and ask if you are sure you are not getting your feet wet.] * * * * * [Illustration: A NOVELTY _Mr. Cylinder_ (_who always uses his host's cartridges_). "What powder are these loaded with, my boy?" _Beater._ "Ar doan't rightly know; but ar think they calls it serdlitz pooder!"] * * * * * [Illustration: _Disgusted Keeper_ (_who has just beaten up a brace or so of pheasants, which young Snookson has missed "clane and clever"--to dog, which has been "going seek" and "going find" from force of habit_). "Ah, Ruby, Ruby, bad dog! T' heel, Ruby, t' heel! Ah must apologise for Ruby, sir. You see, Ruby's been accustomed to pick 'em up!"] * * * * * [Illustration: An extended tract of moor] * * * * * [Illustration: A second laying] * * * * * [Illustration: Heavy bags are difficult to secure] * * * * *