4 i 6 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND, 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Loading Loading-rod Powder and Shot Elevating-wheel Gun- 

 crutches Gun-rests Setting-pole Paddles Rudder Boot- 

 strap Expenses. 



AFTER even a moderately successful shot every- 

 thing in a punt gets knocked about in dire confusion; 

 oars, paddles, guns, birds, will be lying in all direc- 

 tions. These cannot be kept in their places with 

 neat regularity when pursuing cripples or picking up 

 the spoil. There is not then a moment to spare, 

 but there is plenty of time afterwards, ere in reason 

 another piece of luck may be expected. It is always 

 well to row ashore if near, which is oftener the case 

 than not, and whilst you stretch your legs or arrange 

 the birds, your man, if in a double-handed punt, 

 can reload the gun. In a single you will probably 

 be equally glad of a rest and general overhaul. 

 Whether a muzzle or breech-loading gun is carried, 

 this advice is, I may say, most applicable. Should 

 you happen to be far from land or in shallow water 

 throw out the anchor ; if too deep for this, you can 

 drift and recharge at the same time.* If in a great 

 hurry, and fowl have repitched or are in sight not 

 far distant (a most rare occurrence after a shot), let 

 your movements, though quick, be sure and deli- 

 berate. Do not keep looking at the birds to see 



* Still keep the anchor out, and the punt will then drift but slowly. 



