356 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



in fifty times change their position for the better* 

 It is not often fowl sit favourably on the water 

 (unless their food is expected or has just been 

 covered) for a good shot. At a distance may be 

 seen what appears a dense gathering ; on a near 

 approach the birds prove to be thinly drawn out 

 and straggling. The reason of this is that when 

 they are viewed low down, as from a cluck-punt, 

 those behind look as though in a line with the ones 

 in front and nearest. Viewed from a height, you 

 would see what shows when on a level with the 

 water as a thick black line to be a nearly round 

 patch of fowl. On getting within range, you will 

 think, perhaps, that their order and position have 

 changed to your disadvantage, when in reality they 

 are as first seen, and as they would still show at a 

 distance. Out at sea, off the mouths of large rivers 

 and estuaries, Wigeon and Teal will now and then 

 be seen packed in thousands. But a perfect calm 

 is then necessary ; the slightest wave or ripple, 

 worst of all a long and almost imperceptible swell, 

 will be apt to alter the aim and send the charge 

 over or under the mark. Fowl will often sit very 

 close in rough water, and may be seen tumbling and 



* So, in game-shooting, a crack shot never dwells upon his aim, 

 but fires the instant his gun comes to his shoulder. Our old- 

 fashioned shooters think they make sure of killing by following 

 the object with the sight for a few seconds ere firing. They rarely 

 miss, but too often slightly wound or feather the fast-departing game, 

 and seldom get their second barrel off in good time. I have seen a 

 good rifle-shot bring down three Grouse in succession with a ball in 

 pretty style ; but he always pulled the instant he levelled his weapon. 

 This habit of pausing often causes the most certain ground-game shots 

 to fail at driven birds ; as well as it does those who habitually shoot 

 over dogs. 



