"J/LO Mackav on ' Firc-ligliti)iii.' [October 



'FIRE-LIGHTING.' 



BY GP:0RGE II. MACK AY. 



'Fire-Ligiiting' is practised to a greater or less extent by a 

 fe\v market gunners exclusively for gain in the shallow ba\ s ad- 

 jacent to the Atlantic seaboard. There is a strong general, as 

 well as local, sentiment against the pursuit of water fowl in this 

 manner, and the laws are generally pronounced against it. I"or 

 this reason it is a rather difficult matter to obtain much reliable in- 

 formation regarding it from those engaged in this calling. 



We consequently have but limited knowledge as to the modus 

 fl^c/'««<// of pursuing water fowl in this way or its effects. M}- 

 desire to know something about Fire-lighting has been strength- 

 ened from time to time, while on ray shooting trips, by seeing 

 usually just after dark, certain lights creeping slowly out on the bav, 

 or moving silently along the shores, and which, as I watched them, 

 would often change from dazzling brightness to total darkness. 

 It was some years before I had an opportunity to investigate these 

 lights, but it finall}' came through an experienced bayman whom I 

 had previously employed, and who, at times, went after water 

 fowl in this manner. 



The great desideratum in this kind of shooting is the lan- 

 tern, as on its construction much depends, and I describe it from 

 memory in detail in order that a better idea may be formed of the 

 eH'ect its use is likely to produce on liirds. A large light is neces- 

 sary. A locomotive headlight would serve admirably, for it 

 throws a broad and strong light. A small lantern would l)e of 

 comparatively little use, for the more powerful and far reaching 

 the rays of light, the better the chance of successfully approaching 

 the water fowl. As not many of the baymen can afford a locomo- 

 tive head-light the result is a variety of lanterns are used, varying 

 according to the means and ingenuity of the owner. The one my 

 boatman used might come under the head of first class lights. It 

 was about fourteen inches wide and eighteen inches high, and 

 was made of tin with plain glass on three sides, the back being tin, 

 bright inside and supporting two large reflectors, in front oi 

 which were placed two kerosene lamps with large burners. Tin 



