SOME GENERAL NOTES 145 
of March ; but, for the sake of the few wild ducks which breed 
with us, the fowlers have to sacrifice being allowed to shoot 
during the time foreign visiting fowl are here in thousands 
—probably their strongest numbers. In Lincolnshire the 
shooting season for wildfowl used to expire on March 15. 
A further appeal about a year ago by local fowlers to extend 
the season failed to meet with success. Although we quite 
agree that mallards should be protected from March 1 (now 
that so many half-wild ducks exist throughout the country, 
and breed earlier than the true wild ones), it would be well for 
wildfowl shooters generally if the non-breeding fowl with us, 
such as brent, grey geese, and widgeon, were unprotected 
until April 1. As far as brent and widgeon are concerned, 
it would not make any difference to them if they were not 
protected in the British Isles at all, for they do not breed 
here. We refer to the large numbers. An odd pair of 
widgeon breeding in the British Isles is no argument that 
they are a general breeding species with us. If these fowl 
(brent and widgeon) were not persecuted in their breeding 
haunts, our protection might go to somewhat benefit their 
welfare. But this cannot be said. Therefore, a reasonable 
argument can be held that the attempt to protect brent and 
widgeon while they are breeding (which is the sole object 
of the Acts) results in failure. 
A passing remark might be made regarding food when 
out punting. To be stranded for several hours without a 
drink or a meal in cold weather is very trying and hurtful 
to the system. We do not wish to enumerate a menu for 
the wildfowler when afloat, but we trust he will heed our 
final hint that a stimulant in the way of spirit should always 
be carried, more for cases of emergency than general use, 
and a fair allowance of nutritious food—enough to sustain 
him for at least a dozen hours. What is not eaten can always 
be easily brought back; then, if unforeseen circumstances 
K 
