WHEN AFLOAT, BY NIGHT. 329 



tk whiten the mud", thousands may be seen, literally 

 wedged among one another, and from whence they 

 are so unwilling to fly, that they will seldom stir till 

 the water actually sets them afloat. With proper 

 management, therefore, you have, at this time, every 

 chance of approaching them. To do this, let your 

 punt or canoe be kept well fore and aft, and lie down 

 in her, as close as having to push, or paddle, her will 

 admit of. But do not advance on your birds till you 

 have just sufficient water to carry up your punt. 

 Then " work up" to them ; and be careful, all the 

 time, to guard against any sudden motion. By at- 

 tending to this, arid having every thing white (except 

 in moonlight, when a drab, or canvas colour will be 

 less glaring), you may safely approach the unsuspect- 

 ing mass of fowl, which will, at first, appear like the 

 indistinct view of an island; and, on getting near, 

 it will look more and more black, till, at last, you 

 will plainly distinguish the shape of the outside birds. 

 Now, then, is the critical moment to decide whether 

 your exertions are to be crowned with success, or 

 a severe night's hard labour is to end without your 

 getting a shot. Perhaps, unless you have a " good 

 loom" (that is, high black land) to advance from, the 

 moon may suddenly come forth too bright for this 

 sport. Perhaps some straggling bird may be so near 

 you as to give the alarm ; or perhaps some fellow 

 may ruin all by firing a shot ; and you may have the 

 mortification to hear the sonorous host rising, like a 



