HIGH PHEASANTS 



given the birds plenty of time to get forward into the root- 

 field. The birds have an open ride to cross, and I have 

 heard that a great number have crossed into the roots. All 

 noises now are rigorously subdued. The guns take their 

 places. The beaters divide from the centre, right and left, 

 and take a wide circle outside the flank stops. A responsible 

 leader goes with each company of beaters, and he generally 

 keeps placing a man here and there to stiffen the flanks. 

 The remaining beaters have now reached the outside stops. 

 Having lined out, they are ordered to remain still until 

 further orders. The head-keeper must most carefully notice 

 that the guns are properly placed, and that the flanks do 

 not press the birds too much ; also the greatest scrutiny 

 must be given to the wind and flight of birds. If they 

 are inclined to favour a certain direction, steps must be 

 immediately taken to push them over more evenly. All 

 beaters still remain stationary. About three keepers will 

 now advance from the stationary line of beaters. The 

 keepers, knowing their work, silently take the field of roots 

 towards the guns, judging from the shooting if they are going 

 too fast, and if the birds are going away without being shot 

 at. What a pretty sight for the sportsman rising 400 yards 

 in front of the gun ! What a height they attain before they 

 come in range! How beautifully they come all down the 

 line of guns by twos and threes ! 



"The keepers have now reached a certain distance from 

 the guns. I do not advise going too close ; it may cause a little 

 flush of birds, and they would be too near the guns to provide 

 a high shot. Then the keepers advance right and left and 

 go outside the flank stops, and from the main body of beaters. 

 All now advance in line towards the butts, walking slowly 

 and making no noise. If the head-keeper thinks that more 

 birds are in front, there is a possibility they may rise too 

 Q 241 



