296 TRAP-SHOOTING. 
In case of a missfire, according to the rules of the 
New York Club, if the cap explodes, the bird is 
counted against the shooter, although his gun may 
be properly loaded, he being responsible for the 
cleanliness of the gun; but in case the cap fails to 
explode, he is allowed another bird. Other clubs 
only require that the gun shall be properly loaded ; 
and others score the bird as missed. If in double- 
bird shooting one bird only rises, it used to be 
counted to the shooter, and he was allowed another 
bird in place of the one that failed to fly, thus really 
shooting at two single birds. This was so mani- 
festly unjust that the rule has been changed by the 
State Association, and the shooter is required to 
shoot at a fresh brace. The sportsman stands at 
the score and directs the trapper when to pull; he 
must hold the butt of his gun beneath his elbow, but 
usually drops his head, and bends his body into the 
position it would take were the gun at his shoulder, 
so that he merely has to raise his gun to his eye and 
point it. In double-trap shooting, undoubtedly, the 
marksman requires every advantage he can obtain, 
and then will have many birds pass beyond range 
ere he can fire; but where a single pigeon is pre- 
sented, it would be advisable to require every con- 
testant to hold his gun with the muzzle above his 
head. Professional shots usually extend the arms 
and assume an attitude, and gain an advantage that 
would be impossible to them in game-shooting. 
The weight or character of gun and load of 
