8 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 



be placed in a light basket, a willow fish-basket is the 

 best for this purpose, suspended by a strap over the shoul- 

 der, and resting upon the hip. If there are but one or two 

 birds in the basket, it should be filled with grass, or loose 

 paper, to keep them steady, as otherwise they might re- 

 ceive injury by rolling from side to side. In packing birds, 

 avoid putting the largest at the top, as their weight will 

 cause the smallest to bleed. Do not hold a bird in the 

 hand any longer than is necessary ; if possible, take it by 

 the feet or bill, for the perspiration from the hand tends to 

 impair the gloss of the plumage. 



A good collector must practise, in order to become a good 

 shot. He must always keep his gun in readiness, for at 

 any moment a bird that he desires may start up at his feet, 

 or peer out from the bushes for only an instant before 

 flying away; by being ready, he will thus secure many 

 birds that he would otherwise lose. 



To be in readiness at all times, the gun should be car- 

 ried in the hollow of the left arm, with the muzzle pointed 

 backwards, or with the stock under the right arm, with the 

 muzzle pointed towards the ground, which is undoubtedly 

 the safest way, especially if you are hunting with a com- 

 panion. Too much caution cannot be used in handling a 

 loaded gun, especially by a professional collector, who may 

 spend two thirds of his time with a gun in his hand. A 

 gun should never be carried in other than three ways, 

 the two above mentioned and directly over the shoulder. 

 If the collector becomes accustomed to these ways, which 

 are all perfectly safe, he will never think of any other. 

 Surely, this caution is necessary to one who is travelling 

 through all sorts of places, when a slip or a fall with a care- 

 lessly held gun might cripple him for life, by an accidental 

 discharge. 



While passing through thick bushes, always carry the 

 gun under the arm, as this prevents its accidental dis- 



