214 KEMINISCENCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



The winter of 1802 brought amazing quantities to 

 our shores and rivers. A punt shooter upon the river 

 between Maldon and Bradwell killed seventy-foiu: of 

 these birds at one shot * ; and such was the abundance 

 that they were sold upon the spot for two shillings the 

 couple, although the price given by the poulterers in 

 London for them was from three to four shillings a-piece 

 for each. 



The bill of this bird is short, black, and elevated ; 

 inside light hazel; the head, neck, and upper part of 

 the breast black ; on each side of the hindmost part of 

 the neck is a white spot ; the lower part of the breast, 

 the scapulars, and coverts of the wings are ash-coloured, 

 clouded with a deeper shade ; the quills black ; the 

 feathers above and below the tail itself dusky black, 

 and the shape a little rounded ; legs black. The female 

 differs in having the plumage less bright, and in young 

 birds the white on the sides of the neck is small or 

 wholly deficient. They retire to breed in the extreme 

 north, returning southward in autumn ; fly in the shape 

 of a wedge, with great clamour, and feed on water plants, 

 berries, and worms. They are easily tamed, and when 

 fat are very delicate food. 



* With a swiTel-ffuu. 



