human
Pheasant-shooting in some districts will suffer through lack of birds. The wet weather has been fatal to the young broods.
gpt
Werry sorry, my lord, but this 'ere's th' on'y one as we've manisht to rare. Will I put it up for your lordship?
human
Get oop, ye lazy little beggar an' join in t' spoort!
gpt
I say, old man, do you mind taking these cartridges out? I've never used a gun before, don't you know!
human
Hulloa, Jack! Why on earth are you hiding there?
gpt
Only safe place, don't you know. Governor's giving the tenants a day to finish the covers. They've just about finished two dogs and a beater already!
human
CHEEP
gpt
All my hopes of big bags have been damped by the rain. With birds shy and scarce, flooded furze and no stubble, To beat dripping covers is scarce worth the trouble. Aha! The wind's ill that blows nobody good, True, the wet has proved fatal to many a brood, Parent birds have made moan over eggs swamped and addled, When our covers were lakes in which ducks might have paddled, But partridges drowned when they'd scarce chipped the shell, Yet,--yes, on the whole, 'tis perhaps just as well. Water! Better than fire; and a cold in the head Is not _quite_ so bad as a dose of cold lead. Prime time for swell vassals of powder and shot! What's September to them, without plenty to pot? Oh! won't they fume, as they look out this morn On these damp furzy swamps, and yon drenched standing corn? Poor grumbling gun-maniacs! Isn't it fun? In the game
human
Birds _v._ Barrels