40 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



desirable to select for preference a company where 

 the "whee-oh ! whee-oh !" sounds low and plaintive, 

 now singly, then in subdued chorus, and not loud 

 and querulous. The former are in all likelihood 

 contentedly engaged ; the latter but a few anxious 

 stragglers from food and companions. 



Night-shooting is likely to drive fowl from their 

 haunts, making them wild and fidgety. If you 

 happen to be the only shooter in the vicinity 

 using a punt and gun, by all means let the 

 Wigeon feed in peace by night, and then by day 

 you will find them satisfied, and fairly easy to 

 approach. If rivals are about, and nightwork is 

 necessary, make sure you face the moon ; any other 

 way of pointing for a shot is mere waste of time. 

 Should you neglect this simple and obvious rule 

 you must fail. You will hear the birds flutter 

 up within a few yards, yet never see them. The 

 rush of their wings will tell how near you were, and 

 prove what good work might have been done had 

 you gone aright. Should there be a young and 

 jealous shooter in the neighbourhood, eschew night- 

 shooting as an evil deed. This fellow will come 

 gaily down with the light behind him, see you 

 looming in the shade, and thank Heaven for such a 

 fine chance at those very wild Wigeon he has so 

 often followed unsuccessfully, and promptly send a 

 pound or so of large shot hurtling about your ears, 

 though possibly his bad aim may save your life. 



This once occurred to me, but, fortunately, being 

 missed, I remained motionless, lying down, when 

 the would-be fowler pulled hastily up, expecting to 

 reap the fruits of " a most successful shot," but in 



