CHAPTER XLV. 



WIDGEON SHOOTING. 



" The wandeiing flocks, expelled from uortliern shores, 

 In varied forms pursue their trackless way, 

 Courting the genial aspect of the south, 

 Wliilst iron Winter holds liis despot sway." 



T. Hughes. 



The widg-eon (^Anas Penelope) ofters the fairest sport to the wild- 

 fowl shooter of any bird that flies, but more to the punter than he 

 who confines himself to land sports : in winter, whether by nig-ht 

 or day, widgeon may be found in large companies in quiet bays, 

 rivers, and arms of the sea. The natural habits of the widgeon 

 are not wild ; indeed, no bird of the duck species is easier to 

 tame : but when subject to frequent persecution by the sportsman, 

 they acquire a watchful habit, and sometimes become the most diffi- 

 cult of all wild-fowl to approach successfully with punt and g-un. 

 Their favourite haunts are on the extensive oozes, g-rassy creeks, and 

 muddy savannas of tidal bays and rivers ; where every tide waters 

 and refreshes those plains, and forces the vegetation of a green sea- 

 weed, causing' it to grow luxuriantly on the putrescent, but rich, soil. 

 On the very roots of that weed the widg-eon feeds, and fattens. These 

 birds are highly esteemed for the table, as one of the most delicious 

 of wild-fowl ; and always find a ready demand and sale in the market. 

 In former days they were considered only second to wild-duck, as 

 appears by the prices paid for them.* 



Widgeon are mig-ratory as well as gregarious, and are g-enerally 

 very numerous about the coast in sharp weather, often remaining", at 

 different intervals, the whole season in one particular locality where 

 there chances to be abundance of food ; and, when so settled, all the 



* " Item, wegions for mj' lorde at principal! fecstcs, and no other tyme, and at 

 7d. ob. the pece, except my lorde's commandment be otherwyse." — Northvmb. Ho. 

 Book. 



