Publisher's Synopsis
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. 1833 edition. Excerpt: ... 16-1 COAST SUITED TO AN ORNITHOLOGIST. LETTER XLII. My Departure fixed--Coast suited to an Ornithologist--God-sends-- An ocean Waif--My last Day--Coursing--Size of Hares--Fenshooting--Kill a Bittern--Castle of Doona--Fall of the Tower-- Netting Rabbits--Reflections--Morning--Passage through the Sound--Hennessey--Departure from the Kingdom of Connaught. The day of my departure from this wild retreat, where so many months have happily passed over, is determined; indeed, the season hardly admits a longer sojourn, and circumstances beyond my control require an immediate return to England. My kinsman has made arrangements for passing the genial season of Christmas, and the remainder of the winter, with his relations in the interior; and in the morning fox-hunt and evening dance, the dullest months of gloomy winter will merrily disappear. For me, were I not encumbered with a fortune, and "all the ills that flesh is heir to" when one is afflicted with independence, this place would suit me admirably. Though these shores be wild, and weather savage, yet every day brings its novelty along with it. The winter fisheries on the coast are magnificent; and birds known only to a naturalist elsewhere, are daily presented during the stormy season to the active and intelligent shooter. That wild being Hennessey has preserved an infinity of curious specimens; and many a rare production that the ornithologist would prize, is here shot and disregarded by the peasant who is so fortunate as to possess a gun. Among the natural advantages which this remote coast possesses, the ocean contributes largely to the stock, and even the tempest does not rage in vain. The prevailing westerly winds drive many a serviceable waif to the shore; and seldom a winter passes...
