BOB WHITE. 167 



He should, however, avoid making himself a servant to 

 his diary, and should also, if possible, keep his record 

 accurate and correct. Exaggeration about matters pertain- 

 ing to field-sports seems to be a weakness peculiar to man, 

 but a sportsman's diary should be as truthful as human 

 nature will permit; otherwise it possesses but little real 

 value. 



There is a wide diiference of opinion among practical 

 sportsmen as to the proper manner of aiming at moving 

 game. I do not know why this is. It may be that with 

 some there is more thorough sympathy and closer connec- 

 tion between the will-power and the nervous system than 

 there is with others. The former resemble the present 

 percussion fire-arms, and discharge their guns simulta- 

 neously with aiming; while the latter resemble the old 

 flint-lock pieces, and require more time between the fixing 

 of their aim and firing. The former will advocate the 

 holding on theory, the latter will believe in holding ahead, 

 when, in fact, their shooting is practically the same. Not 

 long since, I went on board a steamboat chartered by a 

 fishing-party. Among the party were two gentlemen who 

 are by many considered to be the best duck-shots in 

 North Louisiana. The proper method of aiming at ducks 

 was discussed. One of these gentlemen was an extreme 

 advocate of holding ahead, while the other, with equal 

 earnestness, insisted that one should hold on, or nearly 

 on, the game. Of course the gun should be so pointed 

 that the line taken by the shot and that traveled by the 

 bird will intersect each other. If the bird is flying either 

 directly to or from you, and getting higher, aim above it. 

 If getting lower, aim beneath it. If crossing to the right 

 or left, aim in front just how much will depend upon 

 the shooter, and experience only can educate him. No 

 quantity of book-reading can give him this information 

 and skill. I would advise the beginner to avoid snap- 



