THE ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 161 



stead of delving into the matter for ourselves to our best in- 

 terests. 



Squirrel hunting was engaged in by our forefathers, 

 and many of us still possess the old squirrel rifle that was 

 the crowning climax in firearms in those early days. Even 

 as I write I see standing in the corner nearby the rifle my 

 folks used, and tho' it has no notches carved on it for "dead 

 Indians," I'm quite sure if it could talk it could relate some 

 interesting and thrilling tales. 



Some hunters use a twenty-two rifle for this work, but 

 the majority prefer the shotgun. 



It takes a quick eye and a quick trigger finger to get 

 one of these " streaks of greased lightning," as some call 

 them. They are great jumpers, and if the hunter is not 

 careful, they will leap to the ground, or from tree to tree 

 and make good their escape. 



Still others hunt squirrels with a dog and gun. Local 

 conditions vary in different sections of the country in this, 

 as in all other sports, therefore we must use our own judg- 

 ment in these matters and adjust ourselves to these condi- 

 tions as we find them. 



Not a few sportsmen prefer to hunt without dogs, as 

 this method gives them an opportunity to stalk the game 

 themselves, which they enjoy doing, while others would 

 rather use dogs for the mere joy of seeing them perform, 

 and no doubt there is still another class who think better 

 results may be obtained by using one or more dogs. 



Whether the hunter walks great distances through the 

 big woods, or sits nearby a big, towering tree, waiting the 

 appearance of Mr. Squirrel, who he has good reason to sus- 

 pect inhabits said tree, the sport is one that should commend 

 itself to a larger percentage of our sportsmen, inasmuch as 

 it offers splendid returns both in physical exercise and en- 

 joyment, as well as a deeper knowledge in that all-absorbing 

 sub j ect woodcraft . 



