SNIPE SHOOTING. 321 



The ^'eat snipe often arrives early in August_, and is generally 

 found in drier marshes than other snipes. 



The common snipe {Scolopax gallinago), which is the most abund- 

 ant species in this country, arrives about the latter part of September ; 

 and by the first or second week in October, they are pretty freely 

 dispersed. 



These birds, though apparently wild and distrustful, are by na- 

 ture very inactive. If undisturbed, they spend the whole day in 

 eating and sleeping, merely making a few evolutions morning and 

 evening. 



They are very uncertain in their movements : the sportsman 

 should, therefore, make the most of his sport when he finds them ; 

 for, on going over the same ground every day during the week fol- 

 lowing, he may find them all absent. 



They are generally abundant during the first few days of a gentle 

 frost ; but if the weather becomes severe, they migrate to the up- 

 lands, and pitch in rivulets and ditches that are the most free from 

 frost. 



During windy and cloudy weather, snipes lie closer and fly 

 straighter than on bright or frosty days. 



The reason why young sportsmen so frequently miss these birds is, 

 that they do not allow for the rise and rapidity of their flight. 

 It should not be forgotten, that whilst darting ofl^, they are gra- 

 dually rising higher in the air ; and that, to kill them, aim should be 

 taken above as well as in advance of them, taking care to fire 

 at an elevation proportionate to the distance. The sportsman 

 should never use larger shot for snipes than Nos, 7 or 8, otherwise 

 he will often be disappointed with the result of fair chances. 



When walking up-wind, the most experienced sportsmen find 

 snipes difficult to kill ; but, on going down-wind, they fly in a 

 semi-circular course, and afl:brd plenty of time for a deliberate 

 shot. 



From the inaccessible positions of some snipe-walks, it is difficult 

 tt) adhere at all times to the rules as to up and down-wind ; so that 

 it sometimes becomes necessary to make snap-shots; in which case it 

 is generally found that he who is quickest in handling his gun, and 

 fires oftenest, kills the most birds, though it is impossible but the 

 best sportsmen frequently miss random shots. 



Whenever a snipe rises within a few yards of the gun, the sports- 



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