SHOOTING THE DUCK A7 SEA 51 



which at any time take alarm before the gunner 

 comes within range light again at some point within 

 his reach, it is advisable to give them a long rest 

 before making a second attempt to secure a shot, 

 unless there be the probability of another punt 

 putting in an appearance. Dawn, other things being 

 equal, gives the fowler a better chance than does any 

 other time of the day. The higher the wind, the 

 less difficult are fowl to approach, but at the same 

 time the more difficult is it to put in a well-aimed 

 shot. 



Anyone wishing to make himself a salt-water 

 duck-shooter will be wise if before the fowl begin to 

 arrive he makes an opportunity of practising for a 

 few weeks with punt and swivel-gun. He can thereby 

 acquire useful experience in judging range ; he can 

 drill himself with paddle and pole till he finds his 

 craft come well to hand if one may use such a term 

 in an aquatic connection while a bit of a wind will 

 give him means of acquiring under safe circumstances 

 a pretty good idea as to how much sea it is to be 

 expected to stand without undue risk ; he can load 

 with reduced charges, reduced both in bulk and 

 in the size of the pellets, and train hand and eye 

 with sitting, rising, and occasional flying, shots at 

 the waders. Probably the chance of killing a few 



E 2 



