RABBIT SHOOTING. 181 



A small, quick, mute retriever, that will crouch 

 close to jeu, and only stir at your bidding, will save 

 you the trouble of the run, cause less disturbance, 

 and will often recover a wounded rabbit which you 

 would have chased in vain. 



When shooting in woods, at all times be extremely 

 cautious when and where you fire : let no shot, how 

 ever tempting, induce you to do so unless you are sure 

 neither man or dog be within range at the time. 



Rabbits, in some neighbourhoods, are shot from 

 trees. This is said to be the poachers' wa}^ of doing 

 business ; but, though we say it under the rose, a 

 good many wholesome sporting hints may be had 

 from that fraternity. Moreover, with the exception 

 of the style of rabbit shooting spoken of in the outset 

 of this chapter, it is for the most part a secret, 

 solitaiy amusement — more akin to angling than the 

 spirit stirring business of tlie trigger. 



