There is no pursuit, game, or amusement, in which a proficiency is to be obtained, can require a nicer eye, a steadier hand, a cooler head, or a more philosophic patience, than the SPORT before us. Sportsmen of experience waste neither their _time_ nor their _labour_; they well know, according to the description not long since given, where to find the game, according to the time of the day; and are seldom seen hunting their dogs in unlikely places. They cover the ground slowly and deliberately, that none should remain unbeaten, or birds be left behind: when a dog stands (or makes his point) the master should for a moment _stand still_ also; the general stillness settles the dog more firmly to his point, and the birds are more likely to lie. If the gunner hurries up, (as many frequently do,) it hurries the dog also, and not only makes him impatient, but the game probably gets up _out of shot_; or, what is equally productive of mortification, he himself gets up to the point so flurried, and out of breath, that he finds it impracticable to take regular aim; and when he _fancies_ he does, the bodily _tremor_ he is in renders the shot ineffectual. To become a steady and good shot, some few short rules are unavoidably necessary, the principal of which is cool deliberation: those of too warm, hasty and impetuous a disposition, should retain in memory a single line from the immortal bard; "WISELY and _slow_; they STUMBLE who run _fast_." When the dog has enjoyed his point sufficiently, whether the birds are walked up, or rise spontaneously, the gun should never be raised to the shoulder till the whole covey are _patiently_ surveyed, and the very bird fixed upon, at which the aim is intended to be taken; this once done, and the eye not removed from the devoted _victim_ till the instrument of death is brought to bear, the sight _once_ caught, and the _motion_ with the _trigger_ made in the critical and corresponding _twinkling_, success in most instances must eventually ensue. It may not be inapplicable to remark, that the progress to perfection is greatly retarded, amongst the _juvenile_ branches of SPORTING SOCIETY (when shooting in company) by invariably and emulatively (but very inconsiderately and imprudently) endeavouring to obtain the FIRST shot: the error being mutual, so is the disappointment; probably _both_, or all, _miss_; to which nothing ensues but a _vacant stare_ of mortification, not to add disgrace: but if a bird _happens_ to fall, it is productive of clamour, and general jealousy: it is claimed by all: and personal acidities, from such trifling circumstances, have sometimes arisen about a _paltry partridge_, that have continued during the lives of the parties. The prudent and patient who shoot in company, will be circumspect in every motion; they will not take aim at the _first bird_ which happens to rise, (to be confused by those who are rising,) or fix upon a bird on the left hand when a companion is on _that side_, and the