THE GUN AT HOME AND ABROAD 
to arrange hurdle hides, as before described, from fifteen to twenty yards 
behind the low fence, than in the fence itself Should there be a cross 
fence running at right angles to that in which the guns stand and a con- 
tinuation of it, a place should always be marked out for a gun on the far 
side, as this is a very favourite line for the birds to take. 
RO OTS 
STUBBLE 
CRASS 
• THE DRIVE . 
• . 
o 
o o o o 
o 
CRASS 
STUBBLE 
FALLOW 
These withys can be placed on different sides of a field in order to 
arrange for alternative drives should there be a change of wind. 
As a rule thirty yards is quite far enough between guns. A covey that 
flies between two guns is then well within reach of both, whilst should a 
covey come straight for a gun, his shooting will cause them to scatter, 
and very likely afford chances to the men on either side of him. 
It is most important to shoot at birds as they top the hedge in front, 
and not wait till they have passed the line ; to begin with they are much 
easier when they are flying at you than when they have passed, and you 
will have more time to change guns; if pricked, they are not so likely to 
be injured in the ovaries, whilst by scattering the coveys you assist the 
sport of your friends on either side, and at the same time probably increase 
the size of the bag. 
With regard to the question of noise; nothing is more irritating than 
the man who never knows what his number or place is for the next drive, 
and goes about asking everyone in a loud and querulous voice: “What’s 
my number this time ?’’ Again sometimes one hears an animated conversa- 
tion being carried on between one of the guns and the tenant of the beat 
as to the late harvest, the prospects for the future, what is the price of 
wool, wheat, barley, and a hundred and one other things at the local market 
— ^this thirst for knowledge would be excellent and tactful at any other 
time, but not whilst the drive is in progress. Nothing will disturb birds in 
front more than this otherwise harmless chattering, especially if there is a 
breath of wind blowing towards the drivers. 
176 
