GROUSE AND BLACK-GAME SHOOTING. 



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 car- 

 ried by a servant, will make but poor work at this sea- 

 son, 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 

 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 



