796 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER f. 



It is of much importance for tlie sportsman to study the 

 prospect of atmospheric changes. Before going out he should 

 notice the state of the barometer, and be guided by it in his 

 choice of ground, and ensure better sport. When there is a 

 prospect of rain, birds generally resort to midway situations 

 on hills, and during bad weather the buts of mountains are 

 chosen by them, and in fine weather they are found nearer 

 to the mountain tops. Grouse generally go to water the 

 first thing after their morning flight ; and this is the proper 

 time for commencing the day's sport, from which time 

 until mid-day, the sport will be best ; after which the 

 time will be best spent in taking rest and luncheon. From 

 twelve to three grouse generally shelter under thick places 

 of the heath, or in hollow retreats, from the heat of 

 the sun. Shooting may be recommenced about three 

 o'clock, and from that time to sunset good sport may be 

 expected. 



The most sheltered sides of mountains are the situations 

 most likely to. find game, taking care always to give dogs the 

 advantage of the wind. If it blow hard, grouse resort to 

 where the heath is thickest and longest ; and when dis- 

 turbed generally take long flights, and for the most part 

 down the wind, that is, not against it. In this, grouse difier 

 from all other game-birds. However, if the wind is very 

 high, good sport is seldom to be expected, and it is, besides, 

 diflicult to take a steady aim. 



In grouse-shooting the setters are preferable to the pointers, 

 as their feet are protected by long hair, which prevents them 

 being cut by the ling in dry weather ; they are, besides, 

 higher mettled, and range with more courage. The chief 

 objection to their use is, that they require such plenty of 

 water, and without which their speed and steadiness are 

 frequently called in question. Upon the moors, however, 



