194 WILD-FOWLING AFLOAT BY NIGHT 



nights they will be easily visible in the broad path ot 

 light cast on the water by the moon. 



A skilful fowler is continually on the alert, and 

 keeps his eyes and ears open in anticipation of dis- 

 covering some indication of the presence of his quarry; 

 for the smallest noise may convey information of the 

 utmost importance to his success. When creeping 

 about, too, in a punt at night, the importance of being 

 on the qui vive is sometimes forcibly brought home. 

 Strange developments may occur in the dark, and in 

 a locality where gunners abound, who are afloat in 

 search of fowl at all hours, there is the possibility of 

 running into unforeseen danger unless the rules of 

 night punting are strictly observed. Once, and once 

 only, I am thankful to say, have I been covered by 

 the big gun of a fowler at night ; but I well remember 

 the unpleasant sensations which thrilled through me 

 when I saw my rival's punt gradually approaching 

 nearer and nearer to a large company of widgeon 

 which were feeding on the shallows directly between 

 us. He was ' setting ' to them from one side of the 

 bay, whilst I was coming out from the opposite and 

 more shady point. Being under the loom of the 

 mainland I do not think he could possibly have 

 detected my punt, nor could I escape out of range of 

 his gun. The situation was a terribly anxious one, 



