52 Handbook of Taxidermy. 



morning and just before sun-down have been 

 found to be the best hours for collecting, although 

 something may be done at any time of day. 

 During the noon hours, birds generally remain 

 hidden in the cool depths of the thickets and 

 woods. Birds are seldom found in the deep 

 forest; but, at the hours mentioned, trees and 

 bushes skirting roads, fields and meadows, will be 

 found teeming with life. 



THE GUN. 



The choice of a gun for collecting purpo* ^s is, 

 of course, optional with the reader ; but a tfoofi 

 twelve or fourteen bore breech-loading shot gun 

 will give better satisfaction than any other, 

 and will be worth the price of the gun in time- 

 saving, when in the field. The pistol-guns, intro- 

 duced within the last few years, often prove of 

 great service in collecting small specimens. 



LOADING. 



Several sizes of shot should be taken into the 

 field, ranging from dust or mustard seed, as it is 

 sometimes called, to No. 6 or 8. For all small 



