FIRST LESSON IN AUTUMN CONTINUED. 569 



him so quietly as not to excite him to move. Whenever 

 you observe him inclined to advance, of which his lift- 

 ing a foot or even raising a shoulder, or the agitation of 

 his stern will be an indication, stop for some seconds, 

 and when by your raised hand you have awed him into 

 steadiness, again creep on. Make your approaches 

 within his sight, so that he may be intimidated by your 

 eye and hand. If you succeed in getting near him with- 

 out unsettling him, actually stay by him, as firm as a 

 statue, for a quarter of an hour by one of Barwise's best 

 chronometers. Let your manner, which he will observe, 

 show great earnestness. Never mind the loss of time. 

 You are giving the dog a famous lesson, and the birds 

 are kindly aiding you by lying beautifully and not shift- 

 ing their ground. 



179. Now attempt a grand coup, in which if you are 

 successful, you may almost consider your dog made 

 staunch for ever. Keeping your eye on him, and your 

 hand up of course the right one make a circuit, so 

 that the birds shall be between him and you. Be cer- 

 tain that your circle is sufficiently wide if it is not, the 

 birds may get up behind you, and so perplex him that at 

 his next find he will feel doubtful how to act. Fire at 

 no skirter, or chance shot. Reserve yourself for the 

 bird or birds at which he points ; a caution more neces- 

 sary on the moors than on the stubbles, as grouse spread 

 while feeding. When you have well headed him, walk 

 towards him and spring the birds. Use straight shoot- 

 ing-powder. Take a cool aim well forward, and knock 



