186 



THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL. 



much easier to see as well as to shoot with your back to the 

 wind. At last, after creeping a good distance, I suddenly popped 

 up from behind the last bank, and found myself within forty 

 yards of massa goose. He instantly rose into the air — bang ! — 

 with a loud cackle he tumbled over and over, and there was my 

 beautiful greylag goose. I would sooner get him than half-a- 

 dozen bernacles, as they are much rarer. I am afraid you won't 

 be much edified with this essay upon goose-shooting ; but then, 

 only think, a greylag goose ! How delightful ! It's enough to 

 make one cackle with delight. 1 



1 The above is illustrated at page 176, the bird there represented being un- 

 doubtedly a greylag goose. Mr Graham has taken artist's licence, however, by 

 introducing other examples also. — Ed. 



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