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James Keery

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Dating Game

The following is a simple method of dating the day
On which gamebirds were killed. Let the six fore toes
Represent the six shooting days of the week. The left toe
Of the left foot answering for Monday, count from thence
To the right toe of the right foot, which is to denote Saturday.
Let any portion of that toe which corresponds
To the day on which the bird was killed, be cut off.
If a part of one or more toes has been shot off,
Cut that which is to register the day still shorter.
I am aware that a whole foot may be carried away,
But in general the practice will answer. Perhaps
In a well-regulated larder, what I propose may be idle;
But it is particularly useful in the ease of game sent
Weekly from distant manors, where a note may miscarry.

                          Cautions To Young Sportsmen
                                  - Sir Thomas Frankland, 1729

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