298 MANUAL FOE YOUNG SPOETSMEN. 



August the young broods are fully feathered, above three 

 parts grown, and in all respects as fit for the gun as young 

 quail two months later. At this time they are found in 

 coveys, under care of the old birds, and where they lie in 

 open hanging woods on hill-sides, with an undergrowth of 

 cranberries, fern and winter-green, a kind of ground to 

 which they are much attached, they might afford fine sport. 

 The law, however, in the Northern States, prohibits the 

 killing of them until the first of November, when they have 

 dispersed themselves, and are only to be found singly, and 

 as wild as hawks. 



It is needless to comment on the childish incongruity 

 of game-laws which allow woodcock, a weak bird, which 

 requires the utmost protection, to be shot half-fledged in 

 July, and will not permit the ruffed grouse, a strong wild 

 bird, admirably able to protect itself, to be killed, until it 

 is almost impossible to kill it at all. 



To hunt it with any chance of success, exceedingly 

 stanch dogs are requisite, which will point dead the in- 

 stant they strike the scent ; for if they attempt to road 

 up to the game, it is certain to run, and rise out of dis- 

 tance. 



In general autumn shooting, No. 8 shot, which is that 

 most recommended for all game, will bring it down from a 

 close-carrying, hard-hitting gun at 40 yards ; but where no 

 other game is expected, I should advise No. 6, or Eley's 

 blue cartridges. 



Few birds get on the wing more rapidly, or fly more 

 awiftly than the ruffed grouse ; and when they have got 

 full headway, and, having been put up at a distance, come 



