[Illustration: _Extract from a private letter._ "Our bag on the first was _barely_ up to the average, although the mater, Milly, and self were out to help the men. We hunted in couples and threes, as it is a bit dull tramping along alone. And as the mater generally foozles her shots, I did most of her work too. By the way, how absurdly nervous men are 'gunning.'"] * * * * * [Illustration: MR. MUGGS ON PARTRIDGE DRIVING "What I like about the modern system of driving is the nice rest you can have between the beats."] * * * * * [Illustration: LITTLE CHICKMOUSE RASHLY ACCEPTS THE OFFER OF A DAY'S PARTRIDGE-SHOOTING.--_Gamekeeper_ (_to Little C., who has kicked up a hare_)._ "Now for it, sir!" _Chickmouse_ (_who finds he can't get over his horror of firearms_)._ "Well--fact is--I'd rather you'd----Look 'ere, you 'old the gun, and I'll pull the thingummy!!"] * * * * * [Illustration: "A HIT! A PALPABLE HIT!" "Oh, I beg your pardon! I did not see you, sir!" "See me! Confound it, sir, you can see _through_ me now!"] * * * * * [Illustration: THE STATE OF THE GAME.--_Lady Customer._ "How much are grouse to-day, Mr. Jiblets?" _Poulterer._ "Twelve shillings a brace, ma'am. Shall I send them----" _Lady Customer._ "No, you need not send them. My husband's out grouse-shooting, and he'll call for them as he comes home!"] * * * * * [Illustration: EDUCATED. (_From a Yorkshire moor_).--_Keeper_ (_to the Captain, who has missed again, and is letting off steam in consequence_). "Oh dear! Oh dear! It's hawful to see yer missin' of 'em, sir; but"--(_with admiration_)--"ye're a scholard i' langwidge, sir!"] * * * * * [Illustration: SELF-CONFIDENCE OUT SHOOTING.--_Nephew._ "Jump, uncle! I'll clear you!" [_But he didn't "clear" him, and old Brown says he'll carry the marks to his grave!_ ] * * * * * [Illustration: "I don't know what it is, Mark, but I can't hit a bird to-day!" "Let's see your gun, sir. Ah!--well, I'd try what you could do _with some cartridges in it_, if I was you, sir!"] * * * * * [Illustration: BREAKING IT GENTLY.--_Son of the House_ (_who wishes to say something polite about our friend's astounding shooting, but who cannot palter with the truth_). "I should think you were awfully clever at books, sir!"] * * * * * [Illustration: A TRUE SPORTSMAN (_A last shot of the season_) _Old Pothunter._ "Always show mercy, my boy, always show mercy! Much better to shoot 'em sitting, and save poor things a nasty fall!" [_Does._ ] * * * * * [Illustration: TRIALS OF A NOVICE _Brown._ "I wish I had the moral courage to go home!"] * * * * *