98 SHOOTING THE PARTRIDGE 



shot, and unless a bird at easy distance is hit in the 

 head or neck, or at least well on the forward part of 

 the body, it affords the professor no satisfaction what- 

 ever. Here are two diagrams representing what I 

 mean, and it will be observed that, although the bird 

 in fig. i would undoubtedly come down and look as 

 though fairly hit to the average observer, it is really 

 not at all a good shot. Fig. 2 shows the same bird 

 struck as it should be, the centre of the charge being 

 a little in advance of the bird's beak. 



It is just possible to miss birds altogether in trying 

 for the result shown in fig. 2, but my impression is 

 that this is rare, and only occurs with first-rate shots 

 when the birds are very close, and they are trying to 

 kill without mashing them. But it is better to miss 

 quantities in this way than to get into the habit for 

 it is a habit, even with some very good shots of 

 shooting just six inches too far back. Fonvard and 

 high must be the shooter's motto ; if he ever shoots 

 over or in front of a bird, and can be certain of the 

 fact, let him take careful note of it he will not do it 

 often. I well remember being sent to stand in a gale 

 of wind for ducks and teal disturbed from a long 

 distance and coming down wind. The first lot that 

 came over me, wide and high to the- right, were five 

 big ducks. The pace was terrific. 1 laid on what 



