Spring monticola gen. no. 395 1876. (Oct. 25) gave me a rather hard shot which I killed in good style. Following up the remaining two I killed one of them over a steady point, but although the dog worked finely on the third I pointed him then or four times I failed to get a shot. Striking across from here to the line of trees behind Smith's barn I started five more grouse I killed two of them. The dog worked magnificently and is the finest animal on this species of game that I ever shot at. During the forenoon I find 8 shots & bronght to bas 4 birds, Ames pointed every bird started except one. Thursday Oct. 26 Clear with rather strong S. W. wind. Off after breakfast driving up to Smith's. Hunted over all the ground which I investigated yesterday and a good deal more besides. Started 6 grouse & a woodcock. Shot six times and bagged only one grouse, the first one that I fired at. "Ames" if possible outdid yesterday's performance and pointed every bird which was started. Drew back in time for dinner. On P. M. rowed my boat up to the French landing and had it put up for the winter in their barn. The beans are now all off in the woods and the chaves for getting shot, consequently improved. A few asters still bloom in sheltered places but otherwise the landscape is fast loosing its summer & autumnal decoraments.