GROUSE AND BLACK-GAME SHOOTING. 



which will more effectually quench your thirst than a whole 

 flaskful of spirits and water to correspond. Should any 

 object to this " tea-total " system, a little fruit may be no bad 

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

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

 experience has since taught me that nothing more effectually 

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

 man 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 are doubly 

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

 August and September, yet his pace may with advantage be 

 quickened, as there is less risk of passing birds ; and he 

 should also carry a heavier gun. Taking everything 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 it 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 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, 



