CHAPTER XVIII. 



Wildfowl-shooting Vessels, Yawl and Cutter Punts, Double and 

 Single-handed with General Remarks thereon. 



THERE are so many and opposite opinions as to 

 the best and safest course to pursue when intend- 

 ing to pass a winter wildfowling, that I begin with 

 hesitation. Some live ashore in a suitable locality, 

 and are then, perchance, a fixture for the season ; 

 some hire a stout smack of easy draught, and fit 

 her up with comfort, and even luxury ; others, 

 again, stow their smart canvas, paint everything 

 they can for preservation, and appear in sober tan, 

 thus turning their summer-sailing crafts into mov- 

 able shooting-boxes. I consider the latter far the 

 best method provided you have a proper class of 

 vessel to start with. If you are a bad sailor, and 

 fearful of a coast trip in winter time, no matter, 

 send the vessel from place to place as required for 

 shooting, and travel overland yourself; you then 

 have the great advantage of a comfortable shelter 

 at any spot you may fancy best for fowling. On 

 the other hand, your friend with the house, snug 

 though he may be, is tied down to one spot ; he 

 will surely frighten away all birds within his 

 reach, and eventually have to row and sail a long 

 distance ere he can hope for sport ; whereas you 

 have the power to appear at will in the haunts of 



