nO GROUSE AND BLACK-GAME SHOOTING. 



to break, and the nearer birds are left for the second 

 barrel. 



Always cross the dog a good way ahead when he points, 

 and cock both barrels ; it is impossible to bring down 

 your birds in crack style otherwise. Unless shooting in 

 company, I generally have my gun cocked, and held 

 ready to fire, when walking over ground where there 

 is any likelihood of birds rising. This I only recommend 

 to the experienced sportsman. 



Never increase the size of your shot when the birds 

 are wild, unless with a larger gun. Those who object to 

 this additional weight, or who give their gun to be carried 

 by a servant, will make but poor work at this season, as 

 many of the best chances rise without a point at all. 

 Stick to the last to scattered birds : one broken pack at 

 this time is worth a dozen others. 



About an hour before dusk, be upon the hillocks with 

 your most experienced pointers : if they have been 

 accustomed to grouse-shooting at the end of the season, 

 they will hunt round them with the greatest caution ; 

 and when they wind birds, if ever so slightly, will point 

 and look for your approach. Suppose your dog, statue- 

 like, on one of the hillocks, watch the direction of his 

 nose, walk rapidly and noiselessly round in the opposite 

 direction, as it were to meet his point, and you will 

 most probably come upon the birds within fair distance. 

 Should the hillock be steep, and only about a gunshot 

 in height, walk straight over the top ; and if the grouse 

 be, as is most probable, on the side or at the bottom, you 



