SUGGESTIONS TO SPORTSMEN. 283 
there is no load, and consequently nothing to dis- 
tract his attention, that he does shrink, and pull the 
muzzle somewhat off the object. 
This book is not written for beginners ; there are 
plenty of works with every variety of instruction 
in them, and the reader is supposed to have read 
them, digested their contents, acquired a knowledge 
of the gun, and some skill in its use, and to have 
been frequently in the field, but to be perfect 
neither in the use of the gun, nor the practice of the 
sportsman’s art. There are, however, a few simple 
suggestions that may prove valuable, not only in 
acquiring the ability to shoot, but in restor- 
ing it where, from want of practice, it has dimi- 
nished. 
The sportsman must be as quick and ready in 
handling his gun as the juggler in handling his 
tools; he must be able to bring it to his shoulder 
and point the muzzle at a stationary mark simul- 
taneously, to aim in every direction with equal 
facility, and to follow a moving object accurately. 
This is merely mechanical, and is acquired, like 
every other mechanical art, by dint of practice. 
Some writers recommend firing at turnips tossed 
through the air by an assistant, and this is well; 
but an equally advantageous plan is to throw a soft 
ball about a room and take aim at it, pulling the 
trigger every time, with an unloaded and uncocked 
gun. The sole, but important, recommendation of 
this idea is, that it may be carried out anywhere 
and at all seasons, and if the reader will try it daily 
