The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1868-04-06

DISTINGUISHED IoEos.sHooTtSo MATCH
Hearing that an unusual event in this county
was to transpire at the Half-milc Course, on
the Plney Branch road, at about az miles from
the city, on Saturday afternoon, per invita-
ton Of Mr: Albert Woodley, we stepped into
found earscivcs safe at The course nw inside OF
thirty minutes. The occasion was n grand
private pigcon-shooting match between the
foreign legations resident In this city, and
shortly after our arrival several splendid cqui-
pages containing members Of legations, accom-
panied BY their accomplished ladies, halted at
the plnsy Branch Hotel where the party re.
being made in the field BY Mr.. Woodley for the
shooting. The spot selected was in the centre
Of the race course, where plank flooring was
laid and cane-seat arm chairs provided for the
accommodation Of the ladies, while near by,
under the shade OF a majestic tree, a large ex-
81 *, tssls wa. Placed allied with scls
and approved vintnges OF wine.
The match was for private purse for the
best shot, and the rules were to shoot on the
rise, aud eighty yards Bound. With double.
barrelled breech leaders, and each person to
bring his own bird to the scoring stand.
containing numbers from one to twelve, were
placed In lady's reticule, from which they
/ were drawn for choice OF shots. England drew
the hrst choice, and each person was to shoot
Mr.: Woodley acted as trapper, and the nrst
bird let from the trap scared upward In beau
titui syle,outWhtD Drought TO tne ground Dy tne
unerring aim OF distinguished diplomat.
Another gentleman took the stand, and the sec.
ond pigeon met the same fate. The match oc-
cupied about one hour and half, and the gen.
eral shooting was pronounced excellent, but
England carried off the palm, an aiidchs Of the
legation succeeding in bringing down the i've
birds allotted to him. Ofthe sixty birds flown
from the trap, twenty-nine fell within bounds,
others escaping unharmed, and few falling
more than eighty yards distant did not count:
young pigeon, which jumped from the trap,
and becoming bewildered, pirouetted In the air,
while some halfdozen discharges were aimed
at 1t without effect. The bird nstinotively felt
the "situation," and being "a stranger in a
q strange land,n sought the protection of one
thizing spectators by hying into her arms. OF
course. the pigeon was safe from further harm,
as its charming protector conveyed 1t home as
trophy Of the exciting and pleasing incidents
OF the day.
AT the Conclusion OF the first match, another
was made up between nine OF the party to
shoot Mt two birds each, for a second prize, In
which France was the victor.
Among tho contestants for the prizes were
the head representatives In this country OF
England, France, Turkey, Italy, Prussia, and
the 9ermanic Confederation.
The day was beautiful, the field In fine con.
dillon, and the greatest possible enjoyment
seemed to he experienced by the representa-
tivcs of the great Powers In thus meeting to-
gether and indulging In the exhilaratlng pas
time of pigeon shooting, instead of devising
plans and preparing the great engines OF wal
FOR the destruction Of the human family.
The refreshment table was gotten up In the
most approved manner, by the experienced
proprietor OF Piney Branch Hotel, Mr.. II. q
Torch, and the thanks OF the party are ex
tended to Mr.. Peter Merhling for the courtesy
In granting the use OF the course on the occa
sion.