CHAPTER XVI 



SHOOTmO THE KNOT, THE LAND AND WATER 

 RAILS, THE GODWIT, THE GOLDEN PLOVER, 

 THE GREY PLOVER, AND THE LAPWING. 



The first of these little birds is a fen bird ; and, in 

 in point of rank and ancient name, the most distin- 

 guished. He is said to derive his name from King 

 Canute, or "Knoute," whose palate he suited so 

 exactly, that the monarch was never happy but when 

 he was devouring one. The Knot is more generally 

 netted than shot ; though, when the fens are frozen, 

 it repairs to the sea-side, where the coast-shooters 

 often bag a whole flock at one discharge. Where, 

 however, the young gunner has an opportunity of 

 meeting it in any tolerable plenty, he will find it 

 afford him excellent practice. 



THE LAND RAIL. 



In searching after the Land Rail (or Com Crake, 

 of many districts) — which, indeed, is about as profit- 



2 R 



