INLAND AND OW THE SHORE 89 



uncertain to compensate for the risk run. Birds are 

 sometimes drawn to a certain part of a stream or 

 other haunt by systematic feeding, and then taken 

 by means of gins set just beneath the surface of the 

 water. One hears it stated that duck are caught on 

 hooks baited with a bean, or something equally tempt- 

 ing ; but although I have spent many years of my 

 life in the most 'ducky' parts of England and 

 fraternised with poachers of every degree, an instance 

 of the practice has never come before me. 



If any duck-shooter who has access to dyke- 

 drained country whereto duck come to feed in fair 

 numbers wishes to make an occasional heavy shot, 

 I can tell him how it may be done. Select a part 

 of a dyke where there are dry spaces, extending, if 

 possible, over a distance of twenty yards, between 

 the water and the sides of the dyke. This is to be 

 the feeding-place. If there should be any growth in 

 the dyke clear it away or tread it down. Fifty yards 

 from the middle of the feeding-place, place a tub in 

 the middle of the dyke and drive in four stout stakes, 

 which, when cross-pieces have been attached to them, 

 are to serve as the resting-place of a swivel gun. 

 Screen the whole contrivance with a few boughs and 

 rushes. At the time when migrants begin to reach 

 us to act earlier in the season is unfair both to the 



