20 



PART THE SECOND: SHOOTING. 



USE OF THE GUN. 



THE first object, in acquiring the use of the gun, is 

 to get the better of any trepidation or apprehension at 

 the moment of discharge ; till this is done, no accuracy 

 of aim can be hoped for. In order to this, the learner 

 should first shoot at a dead mark, and then proceed to 

 sparrows, which in their covey and flight most resemble 

 partridges, and are for this reason to be preferred to 

 swallows ; besides which, they are a mischievous bird, 

 while the latter are highly useful in the destruction of 

 insects, and they are too difficult an aim for a young 

 beginner. In presenting the piece, place the left hand 

 near the guard, almost on a level with the right ; but 

 a long or point-heavy piece must be held with the left 

 hand farther extended. In taking aim, it is best to 

 keep both eyes open. In firing, the point of the gun, 

 or sight in a right line from the mark upon the breech, 

 should be levelled point-blank with the object; and 

 then the finger must instantaneously pull the trigger, 

 as on this quickness of the hand the whole art of 

 shooting depends. On all occasions look your danger 

 full in the face, and steadily at your mark. Partridge 

 shooting is generally the first sport attempted by the 



