EXPENSES. 443 



once in several years, that such heavy bags as I 

 have recorded in these pages are to be obtained. 



Fowling from an inn or cottage on the coast 

 is not much less costly than from a small vessel ; but 

 being tied down to one spot, perhaps shared by 

 and as convenient to other shooters as to you, the 

 sport will not be so good as though afloat, but more 

 luxurious. A gentleman shooter and his men are 

 a Godsend to " mine host " in the lonely winter 

 months, and a visitation to be made much of by 

 " Boniface." 



great abundance, especially Duck and Teal. Cold bitter, but most 

 intense just before dawn. Paddles, oars, guns, and movables froze 

 tight to each other or what they rested on. The only chance of thaw- 

 ing my trigger-hand was now and then to shove it under the wing of 



a fresh-killed bird or between a couple. Brought in, etc " 



"Jan. 25th, 1881. Come on board to dinner. Left this morning at 

 4 o'clock. Snowed hard all day ; bright sky since dusk. Thank 

 heaven ! no sign of thaw or of weather breaking up yet. Frost has 

 now lasted with unexampled severity three weeks. Fowlers higher 

 up the water hemmed in by ice. Birds all down here with me in the 

 open. A great many strings of swans flying across sky, heading 

 south and south-west. Cold at night perishing, but sport by day and 

 night superb ! Great destruction of small land birds ; hundreds of 

 them drifting about the shores as food for Gulls and Crows to squabble 

 over. Brought in, etc " 



