A Snipeopiferous ‘Snigger’

Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 5 September 1901

A Little Doggerel on “Jack Snipe.”

My friend “Snooker,” who is inclined to be poetical, writes me that he has heard some “big talk” lately about “shootin’.” He had a tale to tell me, which he says— according to what he heard and saw— should read something after this style: —

A sportsman bold, with gun so old —
(It had seen many a day) —
One morning cold went forth, we're told,
The first snipe lor to slay
Said he, "What do I care?
I'll get ono, foul or fair;
I know, I do, my aim's so true,
That none with me compare!
Though what care I, though he should fly,
I'll shoot him dead or die."

Now this brave sport some "bungers" bought —
Went gaily on his way,
Up to a swamp went he in pomp
The jack snipe for to slay!
To see one I can't fail —
A flutter — sport turned pale,
Then took a sight, and — oh! delight!
Down dropped — a poor land-rail!

Then this brave sport, so it is thought,
Felt very much forlorn,
But said he'd bet that he would get
A snipe upon next morn,
He came in late next day,
And to his friends did say,
"Now look at that, so plump and fat —
The "first snipe" 'tis — hooray!

But this brave sport, sure he did snort
Because one man, who's witty,
Asked in a triee "What is the price
Of jack snipe in the city?"
He smiled a smile of sweet content,
And slowly to these words gave vent —
"You think you're very chic and bright,
But I've won the belt from "Amberite."

— Snooker.