33 GUN, RIFLE, AND HOUND. 



grouse backwards as well as forwards, they are 

 circular. In either case they are generally fitted with 

 a rough seat and a shelf for cartridges. It is almost 

 unnecessary to remark that these shelters must be 

 made many months before they are required, so that 

 the birds may have plenty of time to become familiar 

 with them. 



Unlike other driving, grouse-driving can be 

 carried out at the very beginning of the season, but 

 as a matter of fact not much is done before the 

 middle of September. The arrangements are 

 perfectly simple. According to the wind and 

 weather, the butts to be used and the ground to be 

 driven are selected. The guns draw lots for 

 positions, and each man is placed behind his butt, 

 with his loader. The number of beaters varies, of 

 course, with the extent of ground to be driven, but it 

 is generally considerable. Shouting and noise are 

 strictly forbidden. All the beaters have to do is to 

 advance in a straight line, each man holding up the 

 little flag with which he has been supplied. One 

 after another the coveys rise before them and fly 

 towards the guns. 



These latter are snugly ensconced behind their 

 butts. It is necessary that they should be completely 

 out of sight till the birds are nearly within shot, as 

 grouse are very apt to turn aside if they see anything 

 suspicious in front. At last the first birds are near, and 

 then the shooter rises to his feet to attempt to kill 

 a brace before they get up to him. Seizing his 

 second gun he then tries to get some more as they go 



