MODERN FARRIER. 549 



Grouse-shooting. 



This is a very laborious amusement, and requires 

 great judgment, particularly in such mountains as 

 the sportsman is a stranger to. Several take this 

 diversion on horseback, ^vhich of course considerably 

 lessens the fatigue; and, for this purpose, galloways, 

 or ponies, are used ; so trained that they Vv'ill stand 

 still with the bridles on their necks wiiile the sports- 

 man takes aim and shoots. The sportsman should 

 be provided with plenty of dogs : three brace are 

 sufficient, hunting only a brace at a time ; and in- 

 deed two brace properly managed, may afford 

 plenty of diversion. By allowing the first couple 

 of dogs to hunt only half the day, they will be suf- 

 ficiently refreshed to hunt the next morning. As 

 the season for this sport is generally the hottest in 

 the year, it becomes necessary to be clothed accor- 

 dingly. Tlie lighter the dress the better, taking care 

 that the garments next to the skin chiefly consist of 

 flannel : those who have an aversion to flannel may 

 use calico instead. 



To w^alk among the heath in hot weather till a 

 violent perspiration ensues, and then to become sta- 

 tionary for a time, which is sometimes the case in 

 grouse-shooting, will be apt to induce a severe cold if 

 a linen shirt be next to the skin ; add to which, the 

 disagreeable sensation it excites by sticking to the 

 back. Short boots, which lace close and are easy to 

 the legs and feet, should be worn instead of shoes. 

 A brandy-flask is a necessary appendage, to the 

 bottom of which a cup should be attached, for the 

 purpose of occasionally mixing v\^ater w^ith brandy ; 

 for no sportsman, when warm, should, let him be 

 ever so thirsty, drink cold water alone. 



Previous to this diversion, it is necessary to con- 

 sult the barometer, for grouse foresee the change of 

 weather, and shift their ground accordingly. AVhen 



