QUAIL-SHOOTING. 109 



me. Having recharged, I approached in guard upon 

 the marked bird ; but the dogs gave no point. This 

 was the proper time to test my belief. I therefore 

 called off the dogs, and waited till I had every one on 

 the ground brought to the spot. This was done ; but 

 there was no intimation given that there was a bird 

 near us. We left the ground without remark or ex- 

 planation, and retired to breakfast. In an hour we 

 took the field for the day. I requested the gentlemen 

 to indulge me again by an advance upon the stump, 

 leading the van myself with the pointer-bitch. She 

 instantly pointed, and the other dogs backed her. 

 The bird was flushed and shot. I now explained 

 myself fully, and Mr. Edward Tilgham, well known to 

 most American sportsmen, was greatly struck with it. 

 He expressed great pleasure too at it, as he said it 

 would save many valuable animals from unmerited 

 censure. He told me that he had more than once 

 noticed the same fact with pheasants and grouse. I 

 think it highly probable that these birds are endowed 

 with the same power." 



I can only add that my experience fully confirms 

 Dr. Smith's theory. 



For quail-shooting, load the same as for woodcock- 

 shooting : 2§ to 3 drachms of powder and ij oz. shot, 

 using No. 9 in the early part of the season, and No. 8 

 for late shooting. 



