was registered; and at the end of the week, my friend's notches generally exceeded the score of all the party. The old keeper was wont to say, "It was well Mr. Henry did not shoot in their covers all the season round, or he would destroy the whole fabric of cocks." My friend's plan, I need scarcely say, was to walk well up to his spaniels in cover. The moment of taking the shot depends, of course, upon the nature of the cover and other circumstances: in a hollow cover, under large timber, fair time is afforded for a steady aim; but in high alder beds or brushwood, as the cock is topping the twigs, and ere he takes his horizontal flight, then is the moment for drawing the trigger; and the regular cock-shot will always take advantage of that pause in the bird's passage. For quick and handy work the gun-barrels should not exceed two feet four inches, the gauge not less than twelve; the gun should be well balanced, and in cover carried full cock, with the left thumb placed on the caps, which will be found the safest mode; he will be thus toujours près, whatever game may move within his ken. If a cock be found in a steep cover, he will almost invariably fly downwards; and if the line of his flight be observed, as he generally takes a straight course, there will be no difficulty in flushing him again: but a good "mark" well posted is worth half a dozen dogs in this sport. In dropping, wet weather, cocks will never be found under large timber, but either on 'the edge of covers or in young copse or plantation: when wet heavy fogs hang about the vales, cocks will then be found high up in the covers, and vice versâ if the hills be curtained in mist. In dry weather a grassy cover seldom holds a cock, in wet weather never: holly bushes are very favourite spots, and it will be seen no grass grows under them. (To be continued.)

"HOW HAPPY COULD I BE WITH EITHER!"

ENGRAVED BY J. B. SCOTT, FROM A PAINTING BY C. HANCOCK.

How happy could I be with either,
Or both those young rascals so gay:
I have half a mind just to try whether
They'd let me make one in their play.

For in seeing young people amused
Affords me the greatest delight;

And such chances should ne'er be abused-
They shouldn't, indeed-" honour bright!"

Just mark their sweet innocent faces,
And the antics in which they engage :-
Confound them! they will shift their places;
I shall never get near 'em this age.

And, no doubt, it appears rather odd
To sneak up in this underhand plan;
But, should I go straight, sir, E'cod!
The cry
would be "Catch me who can !"

For fame here has sent round a whisper,
In vain all my efforts to stop her;
And "Keep off, now !" says each pretty lisper;
"Your conduct's so very improper.'

They charge me with murder and rapine,
In taking off Chanticleer's bride,
Like the Roman of old did the Sabine
Clean away from her own fireside.

For each gosling that's gone just the same-
Each turkey smugg'd up to the city-
The account is made out in my name,
Enclosed to the F. H. Committee.

While keepers affirm 'tis unpleasant
Against other folks' sport to cry out;
But be d-d if there'll be e'er a pheasant
As long as that fox is about.

Let them guard up their game and their geese;
For such fare I'll never complain,
So long as there-Hush! if you please-
Those beggars are moving again.

By the powers! too, it's time to attack;
For, look! they are coming quite near;
And so great gets my longing to crack
The bones of that sweet little dear!

Yes, whatever the learned declare
In their studies, my taste to define,
Amongst all the fine birds of the air,
On a rabbit I like best to dine.

For there's something so very-Just do
Once again that monœuvre, I pray :

What, you will? Then here goes-Holloa-whew!
By Golly! they've both got away!

PROSPECTS OF THE H. H. COUNTRY.

BY WILDBOY.

All foxhunters will be delighted to hear, that the "noble science" looks up in this once-favoured country. There is a good report of foxes here, where every farmer is their friend, and a general disposition to support the new master, who has undertaken and entered upon his office in a spirited and business-like way, with fifty couple of hunting hounds, of undeniable blood, bone, and symmetry; and from the kennel management which appears to be bestowed upon them, we venture to predict that an unusual number of noses will garnish the kennel-door at the end of the present season. Among the bitch pack are some models of perfection: they remind one of the " Flying Ladies" in point of personal beauty; and the dog pack looks workmanlike and fashionable in every respect. Any one who was acquainted with the "Cheshire" will distinguish at a glance the judicious handiwork of Joe Maiden flourishing in the H. H. kennel; and he, as a breeder of hounds, was haud ulli secundus, inferior to none in England. If the scent serve, and the line of country be favourable, they must fly; and, as for the horses,

"They'll have fleet steeds that follow, quoth young Lochinvar."

We understand that a new kennel will be built in a more convenient situation, which will certainly be a great advantage, as the present one is anything but central for the country. We doubt not, from the esprit de corps that prevails throughout the country, but that sport will be insured.

We have been favoured with a list of the hounds, which we beg to subjoin:

LIST OF THE H. H. HOUNDS.-OCTOBER, 1845.