2-888-332 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Rabbit-Shooting near Tunbridge - drawn by Duncan, 1850. 'A squeak is heard, and the nearest sportsman flies to the spot, crying 'Dead! dead!' and presently returns with the prize. This enlivening scene is enacted again and again...the neighbouring hedgerows...are sure to make excellent hides for these nimble animals. Rabbit-shooting in such cover is very pleasant and lively sport, and with such hardy terriers or spaniels as will not only follow them in all their tortuities, however thick or tangled, as the wire-coated will do, the sport is gratifying in the extreme...The gliding of the rabbit is so rapid that it is neccessary either that the gunner have his gun on the cock, or at least that his thumb be on it...thus it is that snap shooters succeed best in rabbit-shooting; the smallest hesitation on the part of the shooter loses this nimble animal, who crosses a path with incredible speed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.