HINTS ON GROUSE DRIVING. 167 



where the point d'appui of the drive happens to be 

 situated in a narrow gorge or pass, or where, for some 

 other reason, such as the grouse having a liking for a 

 somewhat contracted and concentrated flight, it is 

 desirable to erect two or three back butts right in the 

 line of favour some way, say a hundred yards at 

 least, straight behind the crack forward batteries, 

 those that are known, as a rule, to get most of the 

 work. These butts, although to an inexperienced eye 

 they may look a little queer, are in reality quite safe, 

 and, moreover, get very often the lion's share of the bag. 

 Grouse will sometimes, all of a sudden, and for no 

 apparent reason, make their appearance between the 

 two lines of boxes, affording no chance in front, but 

 swinging temptingly over the guns behind. One of 

 the most celebrated and prettiest stands on a certain 

 famous moor, nicknamed " The Schipka Pass Drive/' 

 consists of four butts placed in front on the brink of 

 a deep ravine, perhaps two hundred yards across, 

 while the three hinder batteries are placed exactly on 

 the opposite side of the gorge. There is no back- 

 ground but air to assist the occupants of the back 

 boxes. The grouse always dip a little as they sink 

 into the ravine, and, a few seconds after you see the 

 puff of smoke issuing from the box right in front of 

 you, the grouse suddenly appear, climbing up at you, 

 as it were, out of the azure a most curious sensation 

 and then, when that is passed, supposing that 

 your effort is successful, down, down the bird falls, 



