348 SHOOTING. 



to a person using a common-sized single gun, since 

 by so doing he would hazard missing when the most 

 favourable opportunities of killing presented them- 

 selves. A No. 3 red cartridge would suit better. 



The wire cartridge has been proved to be much 

 superior to the loose charge for the stanchion, and 

 heavy shoulder-guns used on the sea-coast and 

 rivers. For the largest shoulder-guns, B or BB 

 loose shot, or a No. 1 cartridge is usually adopted. 

 A A loose shot, or a B or No. 1 cartridge will better 

 suit the stanchion-gun. 



TAKING AIM. 



When the dog points, or when birds rise near 

 to the shooter, he should immediately draw back 

 both hammers with the right thumb ;* but should 

 the birds rise at a considerable distance, to save 

 time, he need only cock one barrel, as in this case 

 he has only to fire once. He should never be in 

 haste. It is more prudent to let the bird escape 

 than to fire hastily. If on open ground, he should 

 not fire until the bird is more than twenty yards 

 distant. He should be deliberate in bringing up 

 the piece to his shoulder, and in making it to bear 

 on the object, but the moment he has brought it to 

 bear, the finger should act in co-operation with the 



* Many experienced sportsmen disapprove of the practice of cock- 

 ing both barrels at the same time. They think that it ought to be a 

 rule never to cock either barrel, until the game be upon the wing, 

 then that the left barrel should be cocked and fired, and thereafter 

 taken from the shoulder. The right barrel should then be cocked 

 and fired if necessary ; if not discharged, it should be put back to the 

 half-cock, and the left re-loaded. 



