HILLSIDE SHOOTING 235 



up the sides of the rocks, crevices, etc. — in fact, take 

 every advantage he possibly can of everything which 

 will serve to conceal his approach from the ever- 

 watchful birds. This plan of working up-hill, as de- 

 scribed, will enable him to get much nearer the birds. 

 A certain amount of excitement is afforded by this 

 kind of shooting, and it is at all events a by no means 

 unwelcome change after a long spell of hot weather 

 and hard shootino- over dog's. 



When packs light on the side or at the bottom of a 

 very steep hill, it is the best plan to come at them 

 straight over the top and down at once. 



It is a great mistake to begin shooting too early in 

 the morninp-, before the dew is off the heather. Half- 

 past nine or ten o'clock is quite soon enough to com- 

 mence operations, unless it is desired to drive the 

 packs off the ground and spoil half or more of a day's 

 shooting. On a hot August day, from half-past nine 

 to twelve o'clock is quite long enough for either men 

 or dogs to work and do justice to themselves, and by 

 that time both the first and second brace of dogs will 

 have had about as much as is good for them. The 

 scent also will begin to fail, and tired dogs will do little 

 or nothing except search about for water. If fresh 

 dogs are uncoupled at that time of day, their energies 

 are only wasted ; for, if they are high rangers, they 

 cannot but race past pack after pack when the scent is 

 so failing. Grouse-shooting is hard work, and a few 

 hours' rest is absolutely a necessity. 



May I advise anyone who is a novice to the sport 

 to mark and take advice by the following hints before 

 beginning his August grouse-shooting } — viz. : Never 

 to wear new boots or shoes, no matter what material 



