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 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.
CARRYING.
The most convenient and safe way to carry birds in the field, is 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 of cloth for cotton, etc. For all birds under the size of a crow, this basket is very convenient.
Before going out provide yourself with a number of sheets of stiff paper. As soon as a bird is shot, fill the mouth, anus, and shot-holes with cotton, and drop the bird head foremost, with bill pointing downwards, into a cornucopia of the paper, just the size of the bird's body, and fold the edges over the tail, taking care not to rumple or break the tail feathers. When birds are shot, they do not always die at once; but they may be put out of misery by placing the thumb under one wing, and the forefinger under the other, and squeezing. After a second or so, the bird will give a gasp and die.
This cannot be done in the case of large birds. To kill these, insert a thin knife-blade between the skull and last vertebra, cutting through the spinal cord; or break the back by pressing upon it with the knee.
TRANSPORTING.
Skins may be either packed in boxes, between layers of cotton, or they may be pushed head first into cylinders of stiff paper having a diameter equal to the largest part of the skin.
COLLECTING SUIT.
A serviceable and comfortable hunting-suit may be made from any good strong stuff, such as corduroy, etc. The pants should be made rather loose, and have the seams firmly sewed. The coat should be a mere succession of pockets, and of course very loose. A soft, broad-brimmed felt hat, and a pair of broad-soled, low-heeled shoes, for ordinary wear; or, for shooting where the country is wet and boggy, a pair of high top boots may be substituted. This will be found to be the easiest, most durable and least expensive outfit that can be made.