s near the bird. Never fire over any one, even if he what
is called 'ducks,' or stoops to allow of your doing so. A keeper or
beater should never be encouraged in, or allowed to 'duck' or stoop; the
practice is a bad one, and should be for ever discountenanced. If no one
fired over a ducked body the habit would soon fall into disuse.
Sportsmen and others would do well to bear in mind that an accident
deprives the injured man from earning his livelihood, and the poor wife
and children suffer: better to forego taking a shot for safety sake and
let the bird escape for another day than run any risk. This should be
made a hard-and-fast rule among sportsmen, and a law of sport.

The left hand should never be placed upon the gun till the bird has
risen and _all is clear_ ahead. Coolness in the field is everything;
there should be no blundering, no hurry; a man who knows the
capabilities of his gun can afford to be cool. He knows but too well
there is no occasion for haste; the cool hand would pause after the bird
rose, and give it time to get fairly away before presenting.

A gun should never be so wielded as to bring its barrels in line with
any one, or the barrels athwart any one. When quite a youth I remember
being in the field, when one of the party becoming fatigued from the
effects of a tight boot handed me his gun; the friend, who evidently did
not appreciate the confidence placed in the youngster, kept aloof--well
to the right; presently a bird rose, I hesitated; looking at the bird.
'Fire! Fire! why don't you fire, sir?' exclaimed the old gentleman with
some warmth. 'How can I,' cried I, 'with those peasants at work right in
front?' The effect was marvellous. The old gentleman, thoroughly
appreciating the caution, at once joined me, and I had the benefit of my
full share of the sport.

Firing when in thick cover and from behind hedges should be conducted
with caution, and with a knowledge that all is clear on the other side.

Little observation will show whether your companion has been accustomed
to the use of firearms. A man of reckless temperament, one who would
blaze away blindly, a devil-may-care sort of fellow, should be avoided;
give him a very wide berth, and keep the gentleman well on your extreme
left. If you can shunt him altogether so much the better. A gun should
never be carried in the field at the trail; should never be carried
under the arm, hugging the lock; should never be carried muzzle down, so
t