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all reach: let it take its range to killing 

 distance. In the mean time, "draw, with a 

 steady eye, the line of that range ahead ; and 

 as it approaches its allotted point of distance 

 on that imaginary line, meet it there with your 

 barrel, rising gently towards it for awhile, but 

 at the last moment brought decidedly to mark." 

 And if you have done yourself justice upon 

 drill, in the firm command of a present, a touch 

 with the trigger will leave it but little chance 

 for an escape. In cover, at least, you will do 

 nothing without a command of this practice. 



If you adhere to the slow deliberate level, it 

 should be observed, that it requires a much 

 firmer hand. It is much more difficult to retain 

 imperfect hold of the line of flight, than to 

 come in contact with it at a given point ; and 

 it is for this reason, that the cross-shot, where 

 the bird is otherwise so much exposed, and as 

 it were hung up for some time without the 

 apprehension of getting out of reach, is so fre- 

 quently missed. A man shall call upon his 

 nerves for an instant, whose hands are actually 

 palsied by any attempt at the continuance of 

 their exertion. It is true, that in the deliberate 

 pursuit, your shot is likely to be very decisive ; 

 but you will also recollect, that the least devia- 

 tion by the bird from the line assumed, will 



