Hunting and Hygiene. 53 



birds up to the size of a robin, dust shot should be 

 used ; and I have even killed grouse and plover 

 with it, although, it must be confessed, at a very 

 short range. The larger sizes are used for hawks 

 and all large birds. With several sizes of shot, 

 you can vary your loads according to the bird 

 that you are pursuing. Here the breech-loading 

 gun is vastly superior to the old-fashioned muzzle- 

 loader, for it is but the work of an instant to 

 change from large to small, or vice versa. Be 

 careful not to load too heavily. Most of your 

 birds will be killed within a few yards, and it is 

 astonishing how little powder and how few shot 

 will produce the desired effect. 



CARRYilsG. 



The most convenient and safe way to carry 

 birds in the field, k, in a common fish-creel ; or 

 in a basket which I devised and have used for 

 several years. It is simply a long, deep and 

 narrow basket, carried on the back by straps 

 which cross in front of the chest. At the back 

 of the basket, outside, is a netting for carrying 

 paper, etc. ; and on either side a pocket or pouch 



