INLAND AND ON THE SHORE 59 



to the natural surroundings in appearance. Where 

 any tall growth exists a triangular enclosure made 

 by lashing rough cross-pieces of wood to the three 

 uprights the growth being then interlaced con- 

 stitutes a good blind, and one that may be made 

 in a short time. Should a patch of short rush or 

 sedge be available the gunner may dig a pit of suf- 

 ficient depth in the patch, leaving a fringe of growth 

 between himself and the decoys. Individual in- 

 genuity has wide scope for asserting itself in the 

 planning and construction of blinds, and extreme 

 precautions to ensure invisibility rarely mean waste 

 of time. 



When punting after duck on fresh water I 

 never fail to do so under cover of a blind. Round 

 the bows, and one side of the punt or boat small 

 staples may be fixed for the purpose should be 

 run two pieces of tightly stretched stout copper wire, 

 about 3 inches apart ; between these wires and the 

 punt, sedge or rush is then fixed till a low rough 

 screen results. Dropping down stream in a screened 

 punt at day-dawn good sport may often be had. It 

 is necessary to hug the bank with the unscreened 

 side of the punt. A heavy as well as a light shoulder 

 gun should be carried. Avoid as far as possible 

 coming down on duck direct ; keep a course which 



