366 MY SPORTING HOLIDAYS 



in practice, produce the instantaneously fatal results 

 that were desired and expected. It was only after 

 ascertaining, as I did, that the heart of the buffalo is 

 situated very low down, near the breast-bone, and 

 that it was necessary to shoot accordingly, that satis- 

 factory results to myself were obtained. 



There are, no doubt, other varieties of big-game 

 still in existence here and there in the world of whose 

 anatomy some special knowledge of this kind is 

 desirable. In such cases it should be the aim of the 

 man who hunts them to acquire such knowledge for 

 humane reasons, if for no other. 



We will assume, then, that the young hunter or 

 deerstalker has provided himself with a well-fitting, 

 properly-balanced weapon of precision, of the kind he 

 most fancies, and with all details of sights and other 

 mechanism arranged as he may prefer or be advised, 

 with due regard, if necessary, to any personal idiosyn- 

 crasies. After that it will be his own business to 

 learn, as best he may, and when opportunity comes, to 

 align the rifle with firm hand and steady eye ; to press 

 or squeeze, but not to jerk or pull, the trigger ; and as 

 he does so with open eye, to keep the foresight on the 

 desired spot. Let him also learn to aim quickly, and 

 yet to aim. This is no case of snapping at a woodcock 

 in cover, or at Brer Rabbit flashing over a narrow 

 ride. 



On the resulting direction of the bullet's flight 

 much shall depend. There may be a successful kill, 

 and consequent satisfaction for the hunter, on the one 

 hand, or for him a lost opportunity, some disap- 

 pointment, and a wholesome discipline of patience and 

 temper on the other. He should be a gainer either 

 way. 



