T32 Unexplored Spain 
should only be attempted in exceptional cases, and never when 
shooting in company. 
Should two guns be employed, the case of the second is, of 
course, different. It may be loaded with larger shot—say AAA— 
which is effective up to fifty yards. 
The speed of geese (like that of bustards) is extremely 
deceptive—as much so as their apparent nearness when really 
far out of shot. When in full flight geese travel as fast as ducks 
or as driven grouse, though their relatively slow wing-beats give 
a totally false impression thereof. It is a safe rule for beginners 
to allow double that forward swing of the gun that may appear 
needful to inexpert eyes. 
Even when geese are slowing down to alight, the impetus of 
their flight is still far greater than it appears. 
It is a mistake to suppose (as many urge) that geese cannot 
be killed coming in, that the shot then “glances off their steely 
plumage,” or that you “‘ must let them pass over and shoot from 
behind,” ete., etc. The cause of all these frequent misapprehensions 
is—the old, old story—too far back! Hold another foot ahead— 
or a yard, according to circumstance—and this dictum will be 
handsomely proved. 
Never deliberately try to kill two at one shot; it results in 
killing neither. But by shooting well ahead of one goose that is 
seen to be aligned with another beyond, both may thus be secured. 
