572 MODERN FARRIER. 



4. The stock should be in proportion to the size 

 . of the sportsman. A man who has high shoulders 



and a short neck, should have a straight stock ; on 

 the contrary, a man with low shoulders and a long 

 neck, should have one much bent. 



5. Powder ought to be kept very dry, in flasks of 

 copper or tin. The size of the shot must vary with 

 the game and the seasons. Patent shot is the best. 



6. The powder must be proportioned to the size 

 of the shot. A measure should be procured, marked 

 with the proper guage. 



7. The best wadding is a piece of an old hat, or 

 soft brown paper. It ought neither to be rammed 

 too much nor too little. 



8. Immediately on the piece being fired, it ought 

 to be reloaded. 



9 The usual distance for killing game with No. 3 

 shot, is 25 to 35 paces for the footed, and from 40 

 to 45 paces for the winged. 



10. In shooting at a bird flying, or a hare running, 

 take aim before the object, in proportion to its dis- 

 tance at the time of firing. 



11. A fowling piece should not be fired more than 

 20 or 25 times without being washed ; and the flint 

 should be often changed. 



12. The sportsman should hunt with the wind ; — 

 the morning is the best time. In warm weather he 

 should take open ground; but in cold weather, search 

 hedges, heath, stubble, and the sunny sides of hills. 

 He should never be impatient to beat and range his 

 ground over again ; but let him not examine with 

 the muzzle of his gun. On firing, he should call in 

 his dog ; and instead of running to pick up a bird he 

 has killed, let him watch till he sees the covey settle. 



Water Boots. 



Water boots are absolutely necessary for those 

 who shoot in wet places, or wait in cold nights for 



