362 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Recovering Fowl Positions of Danger Mooring a Gun Getting 

 Ashore in Rough Weather Foot-stretchers Lifeboat Punt 

 Towing-rope and Anchor-line Sailing Punt Sails and Fittings. 



CIRCUMSTANCES of the moment will best show how 

 to recover the pensioners after firing at birds on the 

 water. You can't be too quick in making with scull 

 or paddle to the scene of the shot. Don't hesitate 

 to see what your success has been, but if you want 

 to look about, follow the birds as they fly away, and 

 mark any that fall from the ranks, which they are 

 sure to do ; but this should be done when pushing 

 up. A few moments' delay will cost many minutes 

 afterwards, as the crippled at once leave the dead 

 and make off in all directions. The strong ones 

 will surely face the wind or tide, and seem to be 

 conscious they are giving in when they cannot 

 battle against the elements. If up in good time 

 after firing, you are among them ere they have got 

 far, and in smooth water can recover the spoil with- 

 out difficulty. But it is always a tactical feat to cut 

 off the outsiders first, and take the rest, one by one, 

 leaving the dead and most disabled till the last* 



* However unpleasant the operation may be, take a lesson in 

 killing fowl neatly. Decoymen do it to perfection ; a couple of snicks 

 of the neck and that is all, but not so easily learned as supposed. A 

 poulterer will give a good idea. To see a fowler thumping and bang- 

 ing his birds against the sharp edge of a punt, or mutilating them 



