DRIVING 273 



In theory the beaters should never 

 be allowed to appear on the scene at all 

 while picking up is going on. They are 

 only an unmitigated nuisance, taking the 

 wind from the dogs and interfering with 

 their work, and casually picking up birds 

 unknown to any one, which same birds 

 are then diligently sought for in vain by 

 the shooter. In practice, however, it may 

 be as well to allow the drivers to come 

 forward and pick up the dead birds. Their 

 presence must then be tolerated on the 

 ground that it is a distinct satisfaction to 

 them to pick up some of the bag, without 

 which the day's walking becomes very dull. 



When the bag can be reckoned by the 

 hundred, some attention to the question 

 of transport is necessary, so that the birds 

 may arrive home cool and in good con- 

 dition. Some light form of game van 

 with a cover should be employed, well 

 ventilated, and designed so that the birds 

 can be quickly yet neatly hung up, and 

 not just dumped down to get all crushed 

 and heated in transit. The simplest plan 



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