

COURSING, ETC. 227 



the touch-hole ; and what is still better, to 

 guard against all remains of fuze, by inserting 

 into the touch-hole the feather of a par- 

 tridge's wing, which not only will clear all 

 those dangerous remains, but if the piece is 

 delayed to be recharged will take away all 

 humidity that may be contracted. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHOOTING 

 WELL. 



Every sportsman has his own manner of 

 bringing up bis gun to his shoulder and tak- 

 ing aim, and each follows his own fancy with 

 respect to the stock of his fowling piece, and 

 its shape ; some like it short, others long, one 

 prefers it straight, another bent; and al- 

 though there are some who shoot equally well 

 with pieces stocked in different ways and 

 shapes, yet certain principles may be laid 

 down, as well upon the proper length as 

 upon the proper degree of bend that the 

 stock of a gun should have ; but, in the ap- 

 plication, those principles are frequently and 



