Chapter ITT. 
IN| PERE FIELD. 
It may not be out of place to refer here to one 
or two points in connection with the collecting of 
specimens, and the requisite care of them in the 
field. 
With regard to guns, what are popularly known 
as collectors’ guns, are all very well provided you 
intend confining your collection to Finches, Warb- 
lers, and so forth. For general collecting, how- 
ever, something more serviceable is required. Un- 
doubtedly the best weapon for all-round shooting is 
a well-built 12 bore, and it will generally be found 
more profitable to secure a second-hand gun of good 
make, than to invest in a brand new weapon of in- 
ferior workmanship. 
As regards shot, it is well to avoid large sizes 
where possible, as they are apt to mash a bird, and 
often render it worthless for stuffing purposes. No. 
7 will be found a useful size for an average day’s 
outing. It will account for any bird up to the size 
of Curlew or Duck, when one is_ shooting over 
ground where birds are easy of access. In cases, of 
course, where cover is scanty, and one is compelled 
to fire at long ranges, a heavier shot will be re- 
quired. Again some birds are harder to “ bring 
down ”’ than others: a Heron for instance will often 
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