GROUSE SHOOTING. 25 



some distance, upon the slope or declivity. The 

 nature of the ground and the wind must furnish 

 hints as to their probable position ; but if you mark 

 the direction of their flight, when preparing to settle, 

 it will help you to a shrewd guess. Early in the 

 year, and before they have been much shot, they will 

 be found always loathe to leave the places where they 

 are met with. As a rule, it may be observed, that all 

 game, when raised, are apt to settle on lower ground. 

 Moreover, when they begin to move on the feed, they 

 are more easily winded than when at rest, and, of 

 course, more easily brought to a point ; for which reason, 

 towards evening the best sport may be looked for. 



Whatever may be your ignorance or experience of 

 the district you are shooting over, the best plan will 

 always be to consult the shepherds and keepers as to 

 where the packs are most plentiful, and arrange your 

 mode of operation accordingly. When hatching time 

 has been wet, the best broods will be found high up 

 the hills ; when very dry or sultry, in the flats and 

 hollows between them. But even this will depend 

 upon the peculiarities of the districts ; for instance, if 

 there be rills, or any supply of water high up the 

 hills, or even on their sides, there will the grouse be 

 met with. People accustomed to the neighbourhood 

 can help you to these particulars, to a certainty ; very 

 likely to more important information, the resort of 

 the game you are seeking. 



When you have gone forth, and are on the ground 

 you purpose beating, avoid such spots as are bare of 



