132 Unexplored Spain 



should only be attempted in exceptional cases, and never when 

 .shooting in company. 



Should two guns be employed, the case of the second is, of 

 course, different. It may be loaded with larger shot — say AAA — 

 whicli is effective up to fifty yards. 



The speed of geese (like that of bustards) is extremely 

 deceptive — as much so as their apparent nearness when really 

 far out of shot. When in full Hight geese travel as fast as ducks 

 or as driven grouse, though their relatively slow wing-beats give 

 a totally false impression thereof It is a safe rule for beginners 

 to allow double that forward swing of the gun that may appear 

 needful to inexpert eyes. 



Even when geese are slowing down to alight, the impetus of 

 their flight is still far greater than it appears. 



It is a mistake to suppose (as many urge) that geese cannot 

 be killed coming in, that the shot then " glances off their steely 

 plumage," or that you " must let them pass over and shoot from 

 behind," etc., etc. The cause of all these frequent misapprehensions 

 is— the old, old story — too far hack! Hold another foot ahead — 

 or a yard, according to circumstance — and this dictum will be 

 handsomely proved. 



Never deliberately try to kill two at one shot ; it results in 

 killing neither. But by shooting well ahead of one goose that is 

 seen to be aligned with another beyond, both may thus be secured. 



