[21] We have here in our mind's eye our own shooting-grounds in the Bætican marismas. But there are other regions in Andalucia where geese feed on open grassy plains on which shelter of some sort is often available. It may be but a clump of dead thistles or wild asparagus; but at happy times a friendly ditch or dry watercourse will yield quite a decent hollow where one can hide in comparative comfort and security. On the day here described no such "advantage" befriended. [22] The scarcity of diving-ducks is explained by these having all been shot in the shallow, open marisma. In the deeper waters, such as Santolalla, common and white-eyed pochards, tufted ducks, etc., abound. [23] The Montes de Toledo comprise some of the best big-game country in Spain and include several of her most famous preserves; such, for example, as the Coto de Cabañeros belonging to the Conde de Valdelagrana, El Castillo, a domain of the Duke of Castillejos, and Zumajo of the Marques de Alventos. The Duke of Arión possesses a wild tract inhabited by fallow-deer. [24] Thirteen wolves were killed thus (and recovered) on the property of the Marquis del Mérito in the winter of 1906-7. [25] Similarly the half-wild cattle of Spain leave their new-born calves concealed in some bush or palmetto, the mother going off for a whole day and only returning at sunset. [26] Photos given in _Wild Spain_. [27] We exclude from consideration all deer that are winter-fed or otherwise assisted, and of course all that have been "improved" by crosses with extraneous blood. These mountain deer of Spain are true native aborigines, unaltered and living the same wild life as they lived here in Roman days and in ages before. [28] We here use the term hound or dog indiscriminately as, in the altering circumstances, each is equally applicable and correct [29] I never myself count shots, hits or misses--_horas non numero_. The above record is solely due to the inception by our gracious hostess at Mezquitillas of a pretty custom, namely, that for every bullet fired, a small sum should be payable by the sportsman towards a local charity. [30] The oleander is poisonous to horses and other domestic animals, and is instinctively avoided by both game and cattle. During the Peninsular War it is recorded that several British soldiers came by their deaths through this cause. A foraging party cut and peeled some oleander branches to use as skewers in roasting meat over the camp-fires. Of twelve men who ate the meat, seven died.