4 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



when I did not have one of my own guns with me, I 

 borrowed from a friend, and my execution was so bad 

 that before the day was over I gave up in disgust. 

 This gun's stock was so straight that I doubt if any 

 but its owner could use it. In having a gun made, 

 there is nothing that should receive from the gunmaker 

 more careful observance than the figure of the pur- 

 chaser ; for I feel confident that a very great deal of 

 bad shooting is made through want of attention to this 

 point. Again : a gun should never possess a super- 

 fluous ounce of metal that is not necessary to its safety. 

 When we start in the morning, fresh and vigorous, 

 after a good night's rest, the weight may appear a 

 trifle ; but in the evening, if the day's work has been 

 severe more especially on grouse moor or snipe bog 

 you will be surprised how little extra weight tells, 

 and will induce you to undershoot your game. 



Still another equally important point is the strength 

 that is required to pull the trigger. After long prac- 

 tice you may get accustomed to either very fine or very 

 heavy, but whatever you are used to, that retain. With 

 the tyro it is different. Through frequent experiment 

 he should find out what weight of pressure he can give 

 without disconcerting his aim at the precise moment 

 that he has obtained the line of sight. By imparting 

 this knowledge to his gunsmith he will commence 

 shooting under great advantage. A deal, we all know, 

 depends upon a good start. It is as applicable to shoot- 

 ing as to life. If you begin under advantageous cir- 

 cumstances success becomes probable. Success begets 

 confidence, and with confidence we are certain to shoot 

 well. An habitually bad shot has no confidence. 

 Constant failure makes him doubt his ability, his gun', 



