110 FRANK SCHLEY's PARTRIDGE AND PHEASANT SHOOTING. 



excited, after they had fired, that their hands would shake 

 so violently that it would be the greatest difficulty for them, 

 at the moment, to charge the gun again — all because of 

 their excitement. An excitable sportsman shoots best 

 when he is alone ; in the presence of others he generally 

 shoots badly, being too anxious, and afraid of missing or 

 of losing his reputation by being beaten. An excitable 

 sportsman will generally shoot differently every day, accord- 

 ing to the equilibrium of his nerves. He may go out one 

 day and shoot exceedingly well, the next day he may go 

 out and shoot miserably ; the least excitement or annoy- 

 ance will upset his nerves at any time, and consequently 

 his shooting will vary accordingly. My advice to all ex- 

 citable sportsmen is to practice self control, and learn to be 

 calm ; be less eager, master yourselves so as to be able to reg- 

 ulate your every motion when in the field, and when in the 

 act of shooting. When this is accomplished you have 

 gained that which all good marksmen possess — a steady 

 hand, and firm, and quiet nerve. 



