26 BEATING FOE GAME. 



spring cramp, several small turnscrews, two or three 

 hard tooth-brushes, and a penknife or scraper. 



" In taking the lock to pieces, first let down the cock, 

 and having provided means for keeping the various 

 screws, &c., distinct from each other, remove the main 

 spring, with the aid of the cramp. Next take off the 

 bridle; then press the scear against the scear spring, 

 and with the other hand push the cock back as far as it 

 will go. Let the scear spring then go back, and the 

 scear pivot will come out easily, which will permit the 

 scears being removed. Unscrew the scear spring screw, 

 and lift out the spring. 



BEATING FOR GAME. 



You will know if there is game in your beat by 

 scratchings, buskings, racks, and paths in the fields and 

 covers; creeps and muses at the sides and in the 

 hedges ; crotes and droppings about them ; chalkings 

 and markings of woodcocks in the rides round ponds, 

 &c., in covers ; mutings of snipes in marshes, meadows, 

 fens, spring-heads, &c. Grouse frequent the hang of 

 the hills, by the bogs. When they discover you, the 

 cock challenges, when they all run or take wing, and 

 will go a mile in a straight direction and then drop. 

 Pheasants are found in young rough covers, the first 

 fortnight ; after which, being disturbed, they go to the 

 high slopes, where, the leaves being on, they save them- 

 selves for a while, and beat you. Early in mornings, 



