10 SHOOTING: 



Or if they do, so much against their will, 



Tis out of reason to expect to kill ; 



Nor one too light, for there attaches blame, 



For the effect produc'd is just the same 



As with the former ; you may take my word, 



Invariably you'll fire below the bird, 



(As you will do if it top-heavy is, 



But that 's soon alter'd, and the way is this, 



Sufficient lead under the heel-plate place, 



Thus quickly will you remedy the case;) 



So with the latter, you may think it strange, 



The shots above the mark will mostly range ; 



Thus will you find with either, 'tis as one, 



You're apt to miss, however good the gun : 



So keep this rule in view, the piece that's brought 



Quickest to shoulder and to sight, if bought, 



Will ever prove the best ; this I conceive 



It needs no logic to make all believe, 



For if the barrels e'er so middling are, 



With such a gun birds will not get so far, 



