GROUSE-SHOOTING. 79 7 



there is seldom a want of water, and they there undoubtedly 

 show themselves superior to the pointer. 



On finding a pack of grouse the old cock is generally the 

 first to make his appearance, as also to take wing. Unless 

 hard pressed he will run for some distance before the dogs, 

 uttering a chuckling cry, and in some instances rise and 

 challenge without any immediate cause, which is a signal 

 for the female and poults to escape by running and separat- 

 ing themselves in all directions. When the dog points or 

 stands, should the grouse erect their heads and run, it is a 

 sign that, either from wet or some other cause, they will not 

 lie well that day, and consequently the sportsman has little 

 chance of getting a shot, unless he runs and heads them. 

 But, unless dogs are thoroughly well broken in, this is apt to 

 spoil the dogs, and even lead to disappointment, as, seeing 

 their masters run, they run also, and frequently take the lead 

 and flush the game. When dogs overtake, and seize their 

 game, they ought to be properly corrected for it, as, if per- 

 mitted to do so, they will never be worth anything in the 

 field. However, too harsh treatment must not be exercised, 

 as it is apt to hlink the dog ; that is, to render him so timid, 

 afterwards, that he may refrain from setting game. 



Sportsmen frequently wish to transport grouse to a 

 distance, and in hot weather it is difficult to prevent 

 them from becoming putrid. Before packing, they should 

 be rendered quite dry, and then placed in a partitioned 

 box, each bird being kept separate, and to prevent shak- 

 ing, clean hay or heath placed around them. We re- 

 commend the following method, which is unquestionably 

 the best : — " Never draw your game, particularly grouse ; 

 that is, do not follow the usual directions of taking out the 

 entrails, when you wish to send them any distance. The 

 best mode is not to pack them until they are perfectly dry. 



