30 Guide to Taxidermy 



ger. Nothing is gained by waiting, your aim is im- 

 paired and frequently the bird goes. 



Wing shooting is more difficult and requires a 

 good eye and steady nerves. Here the trouble with 

 most novices is that they cannot control themselves ; 

 as soon as the gun points somewhere near the bird 

 they pull the trigger, or even in some cases close 

 the eyes first. If when you fire, the sight is on the 

 head of your bird or a trifle in front, you will be 

 sure to get it. Some ducks, flying broadside to at 

 full speed require "leading" somewhat, but I doubt 

 if the swiftest duck at fifty yards distance can tra- 

 verse more than three feet before the charge 

 reaches it. 



Dods 



Setters, pointers, spaniels and hounds are useful 

 for sportsmen and may be desirable for collectors 

 on some occasions, but few of the latter use them. 

 A collector's "bag" is so varied that a dog is of 

 little use except for retrieving or finding lost birds, 

 and we prefer to pick up our own birds. 



How to Find Birds 



This is a knowledge that will require time and 

 constant practice to acquire. Get out of doors all 

 you can and always pay attention to the animal life 

 about you. Learn the birds by note as well as by 

 sight. 



