30 FEATHERED GAME 



probable that you will stand open-mouthed and 

 stare with all the eyes in your head, until, diving 

 into the green depths a hundred yards away, 

 goes another lost opportunity. You may even 

 do as did another of my acquaintances near the 

 beginning of his sylvan career. He had stood 

 •^'at gaze" at every rising grouse and was 

 empty-handed in a cover where by moderate 

 shooting skill he might have made a fair bag, 

 for the season was just beginning and the 

 young birds were lying well. He declared he 

 would do better at the next point (as they all 

 do) and when the next bird j3ushed he threw his 

 gun to his shoulder and shouted, ''Bang!" with 

 all his lungs. He had the right idea, however, 

 and can now hold his own with the most of 

 them. 



That roaring, rushing flight is likely to con- 

 fuse any but a veteran. Yet no owl can fly 

 more noiselessly than he when he is so minded. 

 I know many a good duck- and snipe-shot that 

 will invariably forget to shoot when Mr. Grouse 

 dashes out — Steady, now! Another point! 

 Whir-r-r ! Away he goes and as you pull trig- 

 ger he swerves suddenly from his course and 

 you have missed him. Yes, your muttered re- 



