GROUSE AND BLACK-GAME SHOOTING. Ill 



are certain of a tolerable shot. Should you have broken 

 any packs in the morning, and driven them here, you are 

 very likely to get some excellent chances. 



As the shades of evening close upon you, the birds 

 will lie much better ; many a capital shot have I got 

 when I could scarcely see them. A very indistinct view 

 of his object is quite enough for a good snap-shot who 

 is accustomed to his gun ; and I would not guarantee the 

 success of any other at this time of the year. In fact, 

 you must be prepared for every shot being a snap at the 

 beginning of the day, and many at the end. By always 

 following the above directions, I scarcely ever, to the end 

 of the season, came home with less than two or three 

 brace after a few hours' shooting, upon a moor where I 

 used, in August, to average from fifteen to twenty in a 

 whole day. 



When a moor is regularly shot over, and the large 

 packs thinned, grouse are less apt to flock early, which 

 is often occasioned by several large packs joining company. 

 Late in the season, before they are tamed by a frost, 

 a windy day generally produces the heaviest game-bag 

 to a good quick shot. When his dog points, the sportsman 

 has generally a shrewd idea where to expect the pack, 

 as they collect behind rocks and hillocks, most frequently 

 on the lee side. They keep all together, so there is no 

 danger of stragglers ; and as they don't hear so well in 

 windy weather, he may often pop upon them close enough 

 for a capital right and left. 



An indifferent or poking shot should choose a sunny 



