2 26 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



sportsman too ! into the bargain, as he possessed 

 a single-handed punt-gun. 



The only thing now remaining to be done was to 

 arrange terms with the owner of the smack, and 

 appoint a day for going out. This I was not long 

 in accomplishing, the terms being 15/- per diem for 

 the loan of the smack and the services of man and 

 his son, and the usual accompaniment of a good 

 lunch with plenty of beer and whiskey to wash it 

 down. So, one fine morninor when the tide suited 

 for going down the creek and entering the Wash, 

 we made a start about seven o'clock, taking a little 

 punt-gun in tow behind. 



About two hours sailing brought us fairly out 

 into the Wash, and then, of course, I expected we 

 should keep sailing about amongst all the favourite 

 channels between the innumerable sand-banks that 

 exist there, until we came in sight of some Ducks 

 when the punt-gun would be brought into requi- 

 sition ; but no ! what was my surprise to see them 

 take down the sail and commence operations for 

 catching shrimps. I thought to myself, "This is 

 a funny sort of business ; here am I paying this man 

 15/- for his smack, and providing him with an 

 excellent lunch, and as much liquor as he can 

 stow away, and all for what ? why, merely that 

 he may pursue his ordinary avocation as a fisher for 

 shrimps. No ! No ! " thought I, " it isn't quite 

 good enough." Still, my impulse seemed to be to 

 make no remonstrance, but to calmly watch events 

 and see what the final result would be. Well, as 



