CHAPTER IV 



SNIPE AND WILDFOWL 



Most sportsmen, if offered the choice between an opportunity 

 of killing a hundred pheasants in a day or twenty couple of snipe, 

 would unhesitatingly declare for the time on the marsh, while 

 many maintain there is a charm in the pursuit of this twisting, 

 fast-flying litde bird that places it in front of every other sport 

 to be had with game rising to the gun. In the opinion of the 

 author, it does not make much difference whether snipe be 

 approached up or down wind ; the latter is the orthodox 

 method, as then they "hang" for a second before making 

 off, and so offer easier shots. Yet if there be much water 

 about or thin ice, the breeze will carry the noise of splashing, 

 crackling feet a long distance, and thus cause birds to rise 

 out of range. Should it be raining or snowing or blowing 

 very hard, then the down-wind plan is certainly the better, 

 as it keeps the eyes clear from all drifting particles. Snipe 

 should be killed with No. 7 or No. 8 shot— the latter for 

 choice ; while to a good marksman at other game, an easy road 

 to success is to wait if they rise near, and to almost "snap" 

 if they do this far out. 



Should a bird that has risen singly fall to the first barrel, 

 then before reloading it is best to remain for a few seconds 

 ready to use the other one ; for often the rise of the " singleton " 

 is but the signal for a companion to do likewise, and if reload- 

 ing be commenced immediately after emptying one barrel, more 

 often than not this rise will take place before the fresh cartridge 

 is in position, and the bird will get off scot free. We have 



