THE SNIPE. 53 



be allowed that it requires practice to surmount this difficulty, 

 which arises from the zig-zag manner in which the bird flies 

 immediately after rising. The best method to pursue in this 

 diversion, is to walk down the wind, as snipes generally fly 

 against it ; and if a snipe rise before the sportsman, it will not 

 fly far before it turns, and describes a sort of semi-circle, which 

 will afford more time to take aim, by thus remaining longer 

 within gun-shot. If, however, the bird should fly straight for- 

 ward, it will be highly proper to let it get some little distance, 

 as its flight will become much steadier. The slightest wound is 

 sufficient to bring these birds to the ground. 



An old pointer is the best in snipe shooting. To accustom 

 a young dog to snipes, slackens his mettle, and renders him of 

 little use for partridge or grouse, owing to getting a number of 

 points with little exertion. However, when these birds are 

 plentiful, a dog is unnecessary > as walking them up will answer 

 equally well. 



