FOR YOUNG SHOOTERS 9 



laboriously-acquired reputation as a scientific shot 

 has been known to be ruined by a want of clearness 

 on this important point. 



' Shot.' Conversationally much more valuable 

 than powder. ' Very few people agree/ says a well- 

 known authority, ' as to what is the best size of 

 shot to use, and many forget that the charge which 

 will suit one gun, and one description of game, will 

 not do as well for another. Usually, one gun will 

 shoot better one size of shot than will another, and 

 we may safely say, that large bores shoot large 

 shot better than do smaller bores.' This last 

 sentence has the beautiful ring of a profound 

 truism. Lay it by for use, and bring it out with 

 emphasis in the midst of such disagreement and 

 forgetfulness as are here alluded to. ' If a shooter 

 is a good shot,' says the same classic, ' he may use 

 No. 6 early in the season, and only for partridges 

 afterwards, nothing but No. 5. To the average 

 shot, No. 6 throughout the season.' This sounds 

 dreadfully invidious. If a good shot cannot kill 

 grouse with No. 6, how on earth is a merely 'average 

 shot to do the trick ? But, in these matters, the 

 conversationalist finds his opportunity. Only they 

 must not be pushed too far. There was once a 



