Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1895 — The Farmer and the Sportsman. [ARTICLE]

The Farmer and the Sportsman.

A gentleman of means, and an enthusiastic sportsman, having purchased a country residence, began (to the astonishment of his neighbors) to devote his time to his gun and hounds, instead of the culture of his land. After a time an old farmer took a favorable opportunity to make some remarks upon his course, tijat was, in his view, not only profitless, but devoid of interest. “If you will for one day go with me," said the sportsman, “I think I can convince you that it is intensely interesting and exciting.” The farmer consented to do so; and the next morning, before daybreak, they wended their way to their hunting ground. The dogs soon scented a fox, and were off, and the two worthies followed, through woods and meadows, and over hills, for two or three hours. At last the sportsman heard the dogs driving the game in their direction; and soon the pack, in full cry, came over a hill that had previously shut out the sound. “There! my friend,” said the sportsman, “there! did you ever hear such heavenly music as that?” The farmer stopped in an attitude of intense attention for some moments, and then said. “Well, the fact is, those confounded dogs make such a noise I can’t hear the music!” Do not nurse good intentions, but give them Immediate exercise.