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 Caper- 

 cailzie. — Intimate connection between Poaching and Pilfering. — An 

 obliging Communication, — 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. 



In partridge-shooting not more than two guns should 

 be permitted in the field with young hands, or mischief 

 will be the result ; and I would suggest a few rules to be 

 observed by young sportsmen. In loading, the gun 

 should be held in the left hand at arm's length, the hammer 

 down on the nipple, and the cap put on after the gun is 

 charged. The safest position in which it can be carried 

 is under the right arm, with the muzzle pointing down- 

 wards. When game is expected to rise the piece may be 

 transferred to the left arm, or held forwards in both 

 hands. In going through hedges or over fences the 

 hammer should be brought to half-cock, and the barrel 



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