Field and Forest Rambles, with Notes and Observations on the Natural History of Eastern Canada

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 edition. Excerpt: ...and their unsuspicious Ways--Partridge Shooting--Dogs trained to Point at Partridges in Trees. I WAS in the habit of making regular excursions to the wilderness in early spring, for the purpose of studying the habits and modes of nesting of the earliest breeding birds, such as the crossbills and others. The difficulties, however, of sleighing at this season, especially in the bye-roads and more unfrequented thoroughfares, are occasionally so great that few residents attempt long journeys until the greater portion of the snow has melted. A heavy fall at the beginning of March, 1868, added to what remained, gave an average of five feet, so that a sudden thaw would, as a matter of course, render the roads all but impassable for horses. Unfortunately, when I then started, on the 16th of the month, a south-east wind gave indication of a thaw; hoping, however, that the thermometer would fall at night, I loaded the sleigh, and with a guide set off for the village of Stanley, distant some twentyfive miles. My companion, although experienced in travelling, was as little aware as myself of the difficulties before us. For the first few miles things went-on smoothly enough; the pathway had been well beaten by teams, so that horse and sleigh swept along without hindrance. However, the soft south-easter in our faces getting stronger every hour pro-claimed an unusual thaw, and when we got into the less fre-quented districts, there were indications of impending trouble given by the horse now and then sinking to her knees, and an occasional plunge threatening the safety of the trams; but my companion not showing any symptoms of disquietude, I continued goading on the animal. Indeed, the dogged indifference of friend Malcolm was amusing. Like...