84 THE MOOR AND THE LOCH. 



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. Sup- 

 pose 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 success of any other 

 when the season is advanced. 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 



