834: MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



j^idering that lie could take the young ones, and retraced hm 

 steps to the bush for the purpose. He examined the spot 

 with care, turning back the grass in every direction for some 

 distance around, and even beat about the contiguous brush- 

 wood, but in vain ; no ducklings were to bo seen, nor could 

 his utmost search discover them. Nature had taught them, 

 when the parent gave the alarm, to provide for their safety 

 by escape and concealment. 



EULES TO BE ATTENDED TO IN SHOOTING. 



Attention to the following particulars are requisite to 

 ender a sportsman successful in the field. 



1. The choice of a gun is of the utmost importance, not 

 only as regards its usefulness, but also as regards the safety 

 of the user. On the last point we shall specially treat in our 

 notice on the bursting of gun-barrels. Let the fowling-piece be 

 light and thin in the barrel, and equally thick throughout. 



2. The barrel should never be shorter than 32 inches, nor 

 longer than 38. The range does not depend so much on its 

 length as may be imagined. 



3. A barrel of calibre from 22 to 24 will project the 

 shot as closely as one of the smallest calibre. Much diver- 

 sity of opinion has prevailed on this now clearly ascertained 

 point. 



4. The length and proportions of the stock should be com- 

 mensurate with the length of the arm of the sportsman. 

 The curvature will depend upon the length of the neck of 

 the user. He that has a short neck, and consequently short 

 shoulder, will require to have the stock straight, according 

 to the degree of shortness of his neck. Some individuals 

 have necks considerably longer than the average length, con- 

 sequently the stock of their gun must be so much more bent. 

 Upon the nicety of the curvature of the stock, as adapted to 



