RABBIT-SHOOT1XG DOGS. 77 



across the drives, where the guns should be posted at sixty 

 yards' distance from one another; or, if the springfalls are 

 quite open, they may walk them in line. As the rabbits are 

 put up, they cut in and out of the rides or runs, and require 

 great quickness of eye to catch them before they are lost to 

 sight. The guns must be carried on the arm full-cocked; 

 and great care must be taken not to shoot the terriers as 

 they are hunting close upon the scut of the rabbit. I once 

 shot a very valuable dog in this way, with the rabbit actually 

 in his mouth. This was as the rabbit was coming out of a 

 "bush, and the dog so close upon her, that, as she sprang 

 through, the terrier did the same, and received my charge in 

 his breast, killing both dog and rabbit. It is needful to shoot 

 well before the rabbit, as they run so quickly by you, that if 

 you do not take this precaution you are sure to shoot behind 

 them. The knack is easily acquired by a quick eye and hand, 

 but a slow man had better not attempt what he will be 

 certain to fail in. 



RABBIT-SHOOTING DOGS. 



Terriers of all kinds are employed in this kind of sport, 

 with or without ferrets. In the illustration given in the 

 second book are examples of those most commonly used, 

 consisting of the smooth black-and-tanned dog with a slight 

 cross of the bull to make him stand the severity of the work 

 which he has to accomplish; the Dandie Dimnont, which is 

 an excellent rabbit dog; and the Scotch terrier. 



