WILD-FOWLING AFLOAT BY NIGHT 



FEW British sports demand a more complete sur- 

 render of self to the exigencies of the moment than 

 that of wild-fowling, and particularly is this the case 

 when it is followed at night. The ever-varying con- 

 ditions of tide, wind, moon, and stars are the fowler's 

 constant study, and no opportunity is lost which 

 may possibly be turned to good account. Personal 

 considerations should, in fact, be made subservient at 

 all times to his sport, otherwise he can never hope to 

 attain success. Generally speaking, however, a wild- 

 fowler is a sportsman to the core, and does not hesi- 

 tate to accept the hardships and uncertainties of his 

 craft with equanimity. 'The love of wild-fowling,' 

 says Mr. Abel Chapman, ' is no commonplace senti- 

 ment, such as the keenness that field sports are wont 

 to excite in the youthful breast. It is something 

 beyond all that an overmastering passion that 

 neither difficulties nor obstacles can resist, nor even 

 age and disability wholly quench.' 



