viii INTRODUCTION. 



but little information regarding the habits of wildfowl as 

 observed by a fowler (who has the best possible chances of 

 observation), and none at all as regards the various methods 

 of shooting, netting, or decoying them. In the following 

 pages I hope to supply this deficiency, and in doing so I 

 propose to confine my remarks chiefly to such wildfowl as 

 are regular winter-visitants to Ireland, alluding but briefly 

 to the rarer species which occasionally and at uncertain 

 intervals visit its shores. 



As regards the various plans, and implementa generally, 

 I can only describe what, after many years' experience and 

 numerous experiments, I have found to be best adapted 

 for the purposes required. Let the reader, whose tastes 

 lie in this direction, give a trial to the hints and sugges- 

 tions I have to offer, and with practice and patience, and, 

 I may add, with health and strength (for without these no 

 one should attempt wildfowling), he cannot but succeed 

 and find keen enjoyment from morn till eve, be the 

 weather fair or foul. 



It may be observed that although the scenes described 

 and notes herein contained all pertain to Ireland, wildfowl 

 do not change their habits or vary their plumage in 

 different countries ; and the same descriptions will equally 

 apply whether the birds be met with in England, Ireland, 

 or Scotland. In the matter of punts, guns, nets, and gear, 

 wherever the birds are found they are wanted, and will 

 answer equally well all the world over. The directions for 

 using them I give with deference, and do not in the least 

 degree attempt to lay down the law, or instruct older and 

 more experienced sportsmen on such matters. But to 

 beginners in the art for art it is of Duck-shooting, I 

 venture to hope that the chapters thereon will be found 

 of service. 



It only remains for me to acknowledge my thanks to 



