40 Sporting Notes in the Par East. 



being entirely dependent on his dog; and if he is not a perfect one 

 of his kind, I would recommend returning to the scene of the 

 slaughter, at daybreak next morning. 



In good flight shooting, when birds come by in great numbers ; 

 I would suggest in the words of a veteran north country keeper, 

 " tak toime maister, tak toime " ; by which I mean, do not try to 

 get a pull at every duck that passes within shot ; but on the con- 

 trary keep cool, fire half as often, and select your birds ; and I 

 should then be inclined to prophesy, that the after " pick up " 

 will be much more satisfactory. 



" GEESE." 



There never was a truer definition, for a fruitless pursuit, than 

 a " Wild Goose Chase." My experiences of the sport are of the very 

 crudest ; but they have been gained by many a bitter disappointment. 



When after geese, it is always as well to be provided with a pair 

 of field glasses, or a small telescope : as at long distances gulls, 

 cormorants, c., are very apt to be mistaken for them ; more 

 especially when geese are out of the water feeding and sleeping on 

 dark mud banks. 



Never in a boat under sail run down on geese. 



If possible work a trifle to windward of the " gaggle," and 

 approach with the wind on the beam ; the best cross shot will then 

 be obtained as they rise against the breeze. 



