And yet the pet game of the day never goes off properly.

In partridge time, the partridges are wild, and won't come to be killed.

In hunting time the foxes won't run straight,--the wretches.

They show no spirit, and will take to ground to save their brushes.

Then comes a nipping frost, and skating is proclaimed; but the ice is always rough, and the woodcocks have deserted the country.