WEATHER AND EXPENSES 241 



In calms, especially those which precede storms, successful 

 shots can often be secured. It is usually only the large 

 double punts, followed by boats, which venture, for at times 

 of calms fowl (ducks) are riding out at sea on deep water. The 

 birds on these occasions are at most times approachable if 

 worked to properly. No doubt they know of the approaching 

 storm, and are resting in anticipation of it. 



We have spoken of the weather impossible for punt- 

 shooting, and also of that which is most suitable ; but we have 

 not mentioned the kind of weather when going afloat after 

 fowl is practically useless. One day's experience should suffice 

 to instil this. When ducks are scarce, and only seen singly, 

 and when the winter sun shines bright, with a genial warmth, 

 tempting the hibernating butterflies from their holes, it is no 

 use going punting. The ducks are then far out at sea. 



During mild and open winters, mallard and widgeon spend 

 much of the daytime far out at sea, only coming to land at 

 night to feed. This is not only a natural habit with these birds, 

 but is further established with them if they are persecuted 

 should they attempt to feed by day, which some of the birds are 

 fairly sure to do, provided their feeding grounds are quiet and 

 unmolested by gunners. But as these circumstances of quietude 

 are not common at most of our British fowling quarters, 

 the usual experience in this direction is more general than 

 otherwise, for only at exceptional times do the birds change 

 their habits at all, should the weather continue mild. When 

 the fowl, during mild winters, are behaving regularly in their 

 movements, the fowler must then set afloat after them at night. 

 The best times, however, must be chosen. Moonlit nights, 

 when a veil of thin white cloud partly obscures the moon and 

 is wafted by a light wind, so that a rather varying light is 

 thrown upon the water, are the night-fowler's glory. At times 

 like these with the tide suitable, he may make a good shot or 

 two. The moonlit nights not to go afloat are those when the 



Q 



