274 THE SPORTSMAN IN THE FIELD. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Partridge-shooting continued. — Hints on the method of 

 handling the Gun. — Accidents arising from the imprudent 

 handling of Fire-arms. — Grouse-shooting. — Varieties of the 

 Grouse species. — The Capercailsie. — Intimate connection 

 between Poaching and Pilfering. — An obliging Communi- 

 cation. — A short digression about Babylon and Bandanas. 

 ^The first of October. — Speech is Silver, but Silence is 

 Gold. — Hints on the Beating of Coverts. — The best plan 

 for Rabbit-shooting. — An Easy Method of keeping Hares at 

 home. — Scrutator has another fling at the giant Battue 

 System. — An Extempore Duel. 



Few gentlemen in the present day know or care 

 anything about the raising of game or breaking 

 pointers, which minor occupations are generally 

 left entirely in the hands of their keepers. A 

 brace of pointers in the field are quite sufficient, 

 but where game is plentiful one good staunch 

 dog is enough. In hot weather a shooting-pony 

 is a great relief, and of service in carrying the 

 game-bags. 



