\m 



INTRODUCTION. 17 



The birds met with on such excursions range in size from a horned 

 <i\vl to a humming-bird, the miajority being intermediate between the 

 two. Supposing that only one gun is desirable, the most suitable 

 weapon is a No. 14 double breech-loader of good make. This will be 

 just right for the majority, and with a little care in loading the 

 cartridges, it can be made to suit the two extremes. I have found 

 three sizes of shot to be sufficient for ordinary collecting trips, — 

 Xcs. 5, S and 12, — but the size of the charge must be varied to 

 suit circumstances. For instance, a charge of No. 12 will bring 

 down a snipe at 30 j'ards, but to shoot a kinglet, or a warbler, for 

 preserving, with the same size shot, the charge would have to be very 

 much lighter. Just how much lighter is a point to be learned b\' 

 experience. It depends to some extent on the individual peculiarities 

 of the gun, equal measure of powder and shot being in all charges 

 the usual rule. I have often used dust shot for very small birds, but 

 to be sure of getting them with that, one has to be pretty close tn 

 the birds, and then their feathers are a good deal cut up and broken. 

 I find that a warbler killed by a single pellet of No. 12, is in better 

 condition to make into a specimen than one that is killed with a 

 dozen pellets of dust. Nfi. 5 is big enough for hawks, owls, etc., and 

 No. 8 is right for plovers, sandpipers, rails, etc., but the nature of the 

 locality and the size of the birds most likely to be met, are the best 

 guides in such jnatters. 



To approach birds without alarming them, a mild form of deception 

 is sometimes practised \\ith advantage. Thej' have keen sight, 

 sharp hearing, and are at all times on the alert to escape danger, so 

 that a direct approach is almost sure to make them take wing ; but 

 l)v walking as if intending to pass and yet gradually slanting nearer, 

 a better chance may be obtained. Birds are used to the sight of 

 horses and cows, and do not usually object to their presence near 

 their haunts. I once knew an aged gunner who was aware of this 

 fact, and for a time turned it to good account. He lived on the Baj' 

 shore not far from Hamilton, at a part of the beach which was a 

 favorite resort of curlews, plovers and sandpipers. His old nag used 

 to graze on the sward close by, and the gunner got into the way of 

 steering him l>v the tail till he was within shot of the birds, when he 

 would step out from behind and blaze away without alarming 

 " Jenv " in the least. The same flock would rarely be deceived 

 twice, l)ut fresh arrivals were sure to be taken unawares. 



A game bag, such as used bj' sportsmen, is not suitable for a 

 collector, for the specimens are injured by the pressure to which they 



