382 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



and against ; the muzzle can then lie in a semi- 

 circular cut notch or upright fixed ring placed on 

 either side of the big gun-barrel in the upper and 

 after edge of the main beam. 



After a shot on the ooze from a double punt one 

 man will have to land, taking a gun and the bag 

 with him, as well as the setting-pole to try soft 

 places, and to pin fluttering birds down by the 

 neck. The other hand can paddle the punt about 

 and pick up or shoot any fowl that fall in, or make 

 for, the water. 



The fowler who is alone in a single punt will do 

 best with a double gun, as he is then more liable to 

 lose some of his wounded unless he has a barrel in 

 immediate reserve. If he has not made much of a 

 shot, it is no hard task to retrieve the wounded ; 

 but should he be lucky enough to have a score or 

 more down, it is no easy task to paddle, steer, shoot, 

 and pick up the spoil at the same time. A double 

 gun is then a necessity. Cartridges should be 

 carried in a well-made waterproof and stiff leather 

 bag with overlapping cover (see sketch). The 

 belt of course hooks (not buckles) round the waist, 

 so as to bring the ammunition in front when 

 fastened on. In such a position it can be got at 

 easiest, and one cartridge taken out without letting 

 rain get to the others.* If a bag is used slung on 



* That is to say if the bag is rightly made. The opening at the 

 top underneath the cover should be narrow, not much larger than to 

 just get the hand in, and wide at the bottom where the cartridges lie. 

 The flap or cover must fall down to near the bottom of the bag, and 

 be secured by a large easy button. A stiff case such as soldiers use, 

 but larger, answers well, as it will stand on the punt's floor when 

 not hooked on for use. 



