6 PREFACE 



But I wish not only to thank him, but to flatter myself when I say that 

 he approved of what was written. With such an imprimatur— that of 

 the supreme expert upon guns in the whole world — I leave this part of 

 the book to my readers with confidence. 



Finally, it is owing to the kindness of Messrs. Negretti and 

 Zambra that I have been able to conduct an exhaustive series of ex- 

 periments to determine that vexed question as to what is the ideal 

 wildfowlers' field glass. 



In the chapter devoted to the wildfowler's requisites I mentioned 

 that I had heard good reports of Messrs. Negretti and Zambra's 

 "Minim" prism field glasses, though I had not made personal trial 

 of them. Since writing the above I have conducted the exhaustive 

 experiments already mentioned, and I have no hesitation in saying 

 that the " Minim " is easily the best possible glass for wildfowling pur- 

 poses. I mention this in the preface because by the time my experi- 

 ments were concluded the first portion of this book had gone to press. 



The book is dedicated by Mr. Stanley Duncan and myself to all 

 wildfowlers, and more especially to those sportsmen who are members 

 of the Wildfowlers' Association, a league which, under the presidency 

 of Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, has done more for the sport of sports 

 than anything since the days of Colonel Hawker himself. 



Guy Thorne. 



In writing these preliminary remarks, I must first acknowledge the 

 pleasure which I have derived not only from the sport of wildfowling, 

 but also from the gathering of notes, photographs, etc., touching the 

 subject. Had this not been so. The Complete Wildfmvler, for my part, 

 would not have been possible. The main object has been to amass 

 what would be of use to the young or inexperienced wildfowler. 



A new work on the sport of wildfowling requires no apology, since 

 to the true sportsman there cannot fail to be much to interest and 

 assist. The history of wildfowling dates back to days long before the 

 gun. In these days it is a sport pure and simple, in which without 

 doubt there is much to learn in many respects. 



Of my several acquaintances, I express my indebtedness to my 

 friend and wildfowling partner Mr. Thomas Waddington. It is with 

 great pleasure I acknowledge his kind assistance in the past, and 

 recall the many happy and enjoyable days we have spent together 

 in pursuit of wildfowl on our vast and dreary estuaries. 



My esteemed collaborator has so lucidly described the circum- 

 stances which comprise the origin and the making of this book, that I 

 feel there is nothing further to add. 



Stanley Duncan. 



