GROUSE AND BLACK -GAME SHOOTING. 109 



substitute. When I first took out a license, I thought the 

 spirit-flask almost as indispensable as the powder-flask ; but 

 experience has since taught me that nothing more effectu- 

 ally expends the remaining strength of the half-worn-out 

 sportsman than a few pulls at the liquor-flask, however 

 diluted : he gains a temporary stimulus, which soon ends 

 in complete exhaustion. 



As the season advances, and the birds become strong 

 on the wing, the difficulty of breaking the packs is tenfold 

 increased, and the sportsman's energy and activity doubly 

 tried ; for, although he has not to endure the burning heat 

 of August and September, yet his pace may with advan- 

 tage be quickened, as there is less risk of passing birds ; 

 and he should also carry a heavier gun. Taking every- 

 thing into consideration, a medium between the common 

 fowling-piece and that recommended for wild-fowl shooting 

 on the lochs will be found the most efficient. A gun of 

 this description ought to carry No. 5, or even 4, with the 

 same regularity as a common gun would No. 7. Some fire 

 very large shot among the birds, when they rise, in order 

 to disperse them : this may often succeed, but is a most 

 unsportsman-like proceeding. The plan I always adopt 

 is, first to select my ground for the evening, taking care 

 that it is full of hillocks: grouse have a great liking to 

 them, and when thus concealed their flights are much 

 shorter. I then commence ranging my other ground 

 as described ; and when I get a shot, although the 

 pack should rise at some distance, I select one of 

 the leaders ; and, if it drop, the pack is far more likely 



