330 BIRD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS 



especially at about one-quarter flood, if that period at all 

 coincides with the daybreak. Of course this stage of the 

 tide synchronises only at intervals with flight-time, being 

 often very remote therefrom, and geese, like other 

 creatures, have to submit to sublunary influences. Thus 

 a few days before full moon, when the flood (on this coast) 

 commences several hours before dawn, the geese come in 

 at that period — i.e., in the dark. Such times, therefore, 

 appear to afford opportunity to bring the punt-gun to 

 bear upon them, since they are somewhat dullish fowl in 

 the dark, and we have them "inside" for an hour or so 

 before daybreak. A good shot, however, is never obtained 

 under these circumstances, for at such times the moon 

 sets just at that particular hour ; hence the last hour 

 before dawn is the darkest of the whole night, and the 

 puntsman, therefore, is best in bed. Again, when the 

 tide is falling at flight-time, the geese come in on the ebb, 

 though rather later (after daybreak). But since brent 

 geese, though very active on their legs, have a strong 

 objection to remain on the "dry" for more than an hour 

 or two at a time, and are afraid to trust themselves in the 

 deep-water channels, a large number may then be seen 

 going out to sea about midday, returning on the flood in 

 the afternoon. This reluctance to remain long out of the 

 water is a factor in all their habits, since at frequent 

 intervals they must go afloat to drink, splash about, and 

 preen themselves. But I have perhaps written enough 

 to show the sort of effect produced by the relative 

 changes of time and tide, neap and spring, upon their 

 movements. These, of necessity varying in each locality,- 

 must be ascertained for himself by every puntsman who 

 wishes to be thoroughly conversant with their local habits 

 and idiosyncrasies. 



