SUGGESTIONS TO SPORTSMEN. 283 



there is no load, and consequently nothing to dis- 

 tract his attention, that he does shrink, and pull the 

 muzzle somewhat off the object. 



This book is not written for beginners ; there are 

 plenty of works with every variety of instruction 

 in them, and the reader is supposed to have read 

 them, digested their contents, acquired a knowledge 

 of the gun, and some skill in its use, and to have 

 been frequently in the field, but to be perfect 

 neither in the use of the gun, nor the practice of the 

 sportsman's art. There are, however, a few simple 

 suggestions that may prove valuable, not only in 

 acquiring the ability to shoot, but in restor- 

 ing it where, fi-om want of practice, it has dimi- 

 nished. 



The sportsman must be as quick and ready in 

 handling his gun as the juggler in handling his 

 tools ; he must be able to bring it to his shoulder 

 and point the muzzle at a stationary mark simul- 

 taneously, to aim in every direction with equal 

 facility, and to follow a moving object accurately. 

 This is merely mechanical, and is acquired, like 

 every other mechanical art, by dint of practice. 



Some writers recommend firing at turnips tossed 

 through the air by an assistant, and this is well ; 

 but an equally advantageous plan is to throw a soft 

 ball about a room and take aim at it, pulling the 

 trigger every time, with an unloaded and uncocked 

 gun. The sole, but important, recommendation of 

 this idea is, that it may be carried out anywhere 

 and at all seasons, and if the reader will try it daily 



