Wtlirfotol footing in tf)e jfens* 



PUNT, GUNS, &c v USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. 



HAVING returned from France, and learnt the 

 system of that country, we will now finish our wild- 

 fowl excursions with a few observations on the fens, 

 and other fresh waters, where it is the most likely to 

 answer. The punts in the fens are now somewhat 

 similar to that which I before named of Buckle's, 

 only much narrower, in order that the gunners may 

 be able to pull them through the reeds, in places 

 where they cannot use their paddles. 



The guns here, instead of having any thing to check 

 the recoil, are, like his, merely rested on a broad 

 thwart, or gunning-bench, about the centre, and in a 

 groove at the bow, to support the muzzle ; so that 

 the shooters here fire in the manner before stated, 

 vfa. they lean with the hollow of their shoulders 

 hard against their fowling-piece* (as they herejzsill 

 punt guns) ; and, after thus checking the recoil 

 themselves, allow the gun to run under their arms. 

 The fen guns are built purposely to avoid a recoil; 

 and, consequently, not on the very best proportion to 



