xxvn. WooDPiGEON SHOOTING (PART /) 429 



others within half a mile are made suspicious, and 

 either sheer right away to distant woods, or else circle 

 in the sky out of range, and possibly forsake their 

 usual haunts for several days. 



Now in a strong breeze it is another matter ; and 

 though the pigeons, even then, will not stand too much 

 tiring, you can at all events seek sport for a couple of 

 days in succession, always provided you do not shoot 

 the birds the first day as they come in to roost, as it 

 is only natural for them to forsake their favourite 

 quarters if disturbed when they seek to pass a quiet 

 night. I will explain why a strong wind is of so much 

 assistance : 



1st. The sound of firing is instantly carried away, 

 in one direction only, and does not rise or re- 

 verberate. 



2nd. In a good breeze the pigeons fly low, and 

 thus more within shot. 



3rd. Because when a bird flies low over the trees 

 parallel with the ground he cannot see the shooter 

 standing in a wood until within shot of him a state 

 of affairs of great assistance to the latter. 



4th. The pigeons see your decoys (of which pre- 

 sently) on the trees level with their flight, and they 

 then fly direct for them, instead of, as in a calm, 

 wheeling round far above, and obtaining a good look 

 at the decoys and the shooter. 



For these reasons never attempt to kill woodpigeons 

 in clear weather without a strong wind that is if you 



