72 SHOOTING THE DUCK 



few and far between, no single precaution must be 

 neglected when there is the possibility of obtaining a 

 shot, and the sportsman must be so clad that no 

 consideration for his clothing shall weigh with him. 

 That pond or pool, full well-nigh to the brim after 

 heavy winter rains, and devoid of any screening growth, 

 may hold a couple of mallard, or perhaps a teal or 

 two. Should the gunner approach them as he would 

 walk up a covey of partridges, his prospect of a shot 

 is a shady one indeed ; but if, being wisely clothed, 

 he creeps till within range, the birds will be his. Or, 

 again, there may be duck on the river or stream ; 

 should the gunner show himself they will be lost to 

 him, but if he stalks and prospects, and, having located 

 his quarry, makes a detour and drags himself to the 

 most advantageous point, his labours will once more 

 be rewarded. 



If the duck- shooter first goes over his ground 

 in this manner, and afterwards allows his dog to 

 work through all the rushes and other cover, he will 

 have done everything it is possible to do to ensure 

 success. He should never be without a good glass, 

 whether he is walking after his birds or shooting on 

 the water. I like to carry a glass, without its case, 

 in a wash-leather-lined pocket high up on the inner 

 left-hand side of the coat. It is out of harm's way 



