230 FOREST CREATUEES. 



self-commune, you say it would be better not to fire as 

 it approached tbither, when it would probably come at 

 a round pace ; but to wait till it reaches the opposite 

 side, where it must come, and where, being steep, the 

 animal would mount more slowly. Familiarise your- 

 self thus with the ground before you, so that, let the 

 game come as it may — across yonder knoll, down that 

 slope, or passing among those trees — you may not be 

 taken by surprise, but be ready for it, and not in doubt 

 about the distance. You will find this a great advan- 

 tage to you : you will feel at home there, as I may say ; 

 and will not be so likely to get flurried at any unlooked- 

 for circumstance. 



Do not sit down unless you are able to turn well 

 round, or when the game co,n come only in one direc- 

 tion. Should you be seated, and it makes its appear- 

 ance in an unexpected direction, you will find yourself 

 greatly embarrassed how to get up and move round 

 unperceived. If already on your feet, the difficulty is 

 greatly lessened. By standing, too, you command, 

 generally, a greater range of view. 



Be more careful of having something at your back, 

 than of getting a bush or other object to screen you in 

 front When there is no bush, or bank, or rock behind 

 you within a short distance of your person, the outline 

 of your body is so clearly visible, as to strike any comer, 

 whether man or beast, at once. Such unusual shape 

 will surely startle an animal. But if you stand against 



