When carried on the shoulder it should be always with _lock down_: this mode will so elevate the barrels that the muzzles are far above the heads of any one; even when at close quarters, on the march, or when approaching or returning from cover, this way will be found easiest and with the least possible fatigue, as the weight of the weapon is centered in the stock held in the right hand. To relieve the shoulder pass the hand up to the small, or neck of the butt; at the same time seize the butt with the left hand, then raise your gun to a perpendicular position, carry it across the body, and place it on the left shoulder. The left shoulder can be relieved in a similar manner, _i.e._, pass the left hand to the small or neck of the butt, at the same time seize the butt with the right hand, raise the gun to a perpendicular position, and carry it across the body and place it on the right shoulder. Never present, much less fire, when any person, whether keeper or beater, intervenes or is 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.