METHOD OF TAKING PLOVER. 181 



its fellow, and in bulk and appearance is somewhat 

 larger, but as a rule little heavier not more, per- 

 haps, than an ounce, and seldom an ounce and a 

 half. It is comparatively a rare Plover in Ireland. 

 During a long winter's shooting a dozen is often 

 the most I have happened to see. Golden and 

 Green Plover, on the contrary, are netted in Ireland 

 in thousands, if the winter be mild, by men who 

 make a living thus. I have known one man, an 

 adept at this work, take twenty pounds' worth of 

 Plover in a week, which, at a low estimate of value, 

 would represent at least a thousand birds. All Plover 

 will be found hard of approach when congregated in 

 an open field, should the shooter try to steal directly 

 towards them. He should boldly skirt the " stand" 

 without looking anxiously at them, gradually nar- 

 rowing the circle with each round he takes, and 

 finally, with a rush, take his chance of a shot. 



Another method of getting within range of Plover 

 congregated in a field, is to tie a dog to a short 

 stick, and peg it down into the ground, leaving the 

 animal a tether of five or six yards. Secure him a 

 couple of hundred yards away from the stand to 

 windward, and every bird's eye and head will be 

 turned in his direction as he moves, or struggles. 

 You may then steal up to them on their other flank 

 against the wind, and will always get within fair, 

 often easy shot. 



than in Ireland, especially at the periods of its migration in May and 

 October. In the latter months he has often killed ten or fifteen in a day, 

 besides Curlews, Knots, and other shore birds, with an ordinary 12-bore 

 shoulder-gun. " In the south of England," he says, " the Grey Plover 

 is the latest of the shore birds to arrive on the autumn migration, 

 seldom appearing before the first week of October." 



