THE ART OF SHOOTING ON THE WING. 261 



his shooting behind his birds, he -must deter- 

 mine to hold ahead of the next that crosses. 

 It is two to one that he will bring that one 

 down, although he is but a beginner. The ne- 

 cessity of aiming ahead of crossing birds is often 

 not thoroughly understood even by adult sports- 

 men whose practice has been large ; and the dis- 

 tance at which it ' is proper to hold at a 

 fast-flying bird crossing a long shot off is 

 almost universally under-estimated. The gun at 

 the shoulder must move with the bird until aim 

 is taken the proper distance ahead of it. Then 

 shoot instantly. The young shooter must practise 

 all he can, neglecting no opportunity. When by 

 proper instructions he has been taught what he 

 is to do and how he is to do it, practice is 

 the thing through which he will improve and 

 perhaps become a first-rate shot. When he has 

 been well entered at larks, swamp blackbirds, 

 swallows and the like, he will be fit to go out 

 with a companion, an old sportsman who knows 

 how to manage dogs ; if convenient, after game- 

 birds. 



Pinnated grouse, the young ones at the early 

 part of the season, afford the very best practice 

 for the beginners who have had some shooting 



