GROUSE AND BLACK-GAME SHOOTING. O 



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. 



No man ought to beat the same range oftener than 

 twice a-week, as grouse, after being dispersed, do not 

 collect in the evening like partridge, but are often some 

 time before they gather ; the best days are those with a 

 warm sun and light breeze. When the weather is windy 

 and rainy, after October, they flock ; and it is of no use 

 to disturb them till it is fine again, when they disperse. 

 You may expect good sport the first black frost. A sort 

 of lethargy seems to come over the birds : I have seen 

 several in a day standing up, without an attempt at 

 concealment, within forty yards a rare opportunity for 

 poachers and bad shots. 



Many suppose that grouse change their ground with 

 the changes of weather, and even lay down rules what 

 parts of the mountain they frequent according to its 

 variations. I have watched them narrowly for many 

 years, and am firmly of opinion that they only shift to 

 the longest heather on the lea side of any knolls near 

 their usual haunts, when they want shelter from the sun, 

 wind, or rain ; except indeed in winter, when many of 



