RAIL-SHOOTING. 203 
with the barrels resting on my arm, when they had 
slipped from my hand in bringing the gun up hur- 
riedly to my shoulder. Every single rise should be 
secured as matter-of-course, and most of the double 
ones, care being taken in the latter to obey that 
great rule, of always killing the more difficult shot 
first; if you shoot right-handed, as the majority of 
persons do, and one bird flies to the right and the 
other to the left, shoot first at the former, and you 
will have less difficulty in bringing back the gun 
towards the latter 
Never relax your vigilance, as the birds rise 
silently, without the warning whistle of the wood- 
cock or whirr of the quail, at the least expected 
moment ; and if the punter attempts to direct your 
attention, the chances are ten to one that you look 
in the wrong quarter. 
The rail, while being a pleasant bird to shoot, is 
also a pleasant bird to eat. There is no variety of 
our wild game, large or small, that is more delicious ; 
its flavor is excellent, and its tenderness beyond com- 
parison ; it may not have the rich full flavor of that 
noblest of them all, the big-eyed woodcock, nor the 
savory raciness of the full-breasted quail, nor the 
strong game taste of the stylish ruffed grouse, nor 
the unequalled richness of the kingly canvas-back— 
but in tender, melting delicacy it 1s hardly surpassed. 
If cooked in perfection, it drops to pieces in the 
mouth, leaving only a delightful residuum of enjoy- 
ment. It should be floated in rosy wine, and wash- 
ed down with the ruby claret, and accompanied by 
