250 LETTERS TO YOUNG SHOOTERS LETTER 



up, and all the other guns should do just the same, 

 and thus retain their line. If he decides to fall back 

 a few yards from the fence, the other shooters should 

 note his movements, and fall back also. 



If a fence runs at right angles to the one the 

 birds are about to fly over, and you are next it, call 

 out ' Gun here ! ' at the same time holding your gun 

 above your head. Your neighbour on the other side of 

 the hedge should suggest the signal if you have not 

 given it, or answer it if you have done so ; and you 

 will both realise your mutual positions, and be able 

 to avoid a shot in dangerous proximity to one another. 



Bear in mind that firing at birds between you and 

 a fence at a right angle to the one you are standing 

 behind, or even at birds flying the other side of it, is 

 most risky, and as unpardonable as following birds 

 gun to shoulder from your front to your rear, covering 

 as you do so the other shooters with its muzzle as 

 you wheel round. 



When partridges are driven with a, fair wind you 

 may stand well back from an ordinary hedge, say 20 

 yards ; as, in such case, even if the birds see the guns 

 just as they approach them, they will still probably fly 

 past without altering their direction ; and it is always 

 easier to kill driven partridges if you have a good 

 chance in front of you. 



