169 



your mode of advance be a matter of indif- 

 ference to him*. If the least of this flatter 

 exist, stop instantly; for it is of no use for you 

 to run floundering up, with your heart beating 

 a tattoo against your side, your eyes rivetted in 

 a wild stare out of your own command, and 

 your mouth wide open, ready to catch one of 

 the birds, if it should happen to fly into it. 

 Make a call upon your manhood for a reposses- 

 sion of yourself; and when that is effected, 

 advance again, until within the chance of spring. 

 By this, I mean as near a distance from where 

 you have reason to suppose the game lies, and 

 which your acquaintance with your dog's nose 

 and manner alone must teach you to form an 

 idea of, as you dare to venture, without being 

 perfectly ready to meet their spring. Pause 

 here for a moment ; in order to breathe, to feel 

 your pulse, or take a pinch of snuff, if you 

 please ; but, at all events, to gain the command 

 of yourself, and to be cool : and instantly 



* It must here be understood, that I am not now giving 

 rules for the best mode of advance, as an approach to game : 

 this must ever depend upon the state of discipline of your 

 dog, as well as other circumstances; and the modes have 

 been already discussed in the Kunop&dia. On the present 

 occasion, the dog is not at all taken into the account, and 

 I have in view only the management of the person of the- 

 shooter, so as to make his shot effective. 



