

WILD PIGEONS 173 



arrive in this country, and about that time it is not an 

 uncommon spectacle to see many acres of land at a 

 stretch literally blued over with these birds. Then on 

 visiting their roosting-places one finds both trees and 

 ground whitened over to such an extent that readier 

 credence can be given to the tales of the early North 

 American settlers respecting the enormous gatherings of 

 the now almost extinct passenger-pigeon which were 

 encountered in the States when that bird was migrating. 

 It may be well to point out that one thing militating 

 against the making of large bags in the pursuit of pigeons 

 is the ceaseless worrying of the birds constantly practised 

 by some people. Of course, where pigeons are doing great 

 damage, the necessity may arise for their constant 

 harassment ; but wherever the shooting of wood-pigeons 

 is conducted on truly sporting principles, the exigencies 

 of most situations demand the giving the birds stated 

 periods of rest in which to regain confidence, otherwise 

 they may be driven away, more or less, from the locality. 

 As in all probability the gunner's winter stock of wood- 

 pigeons will be composed chiefly of foreigners, it must 

 be remembered that these fowl have not that incentive 

 the homing instinct to cause them remain in his 

 woods and fields as have birds reared in the district. 

 Given a windy day in December or January, and the 

 wood-pigeon shooter is certain to have good sport in 

 districts abounding with wood-pigeons. In fact the 

 stormier the weather the better for the bag, provided the 

 shooter is able to make the most of his opportunities, for 

 then the report of the gun becomes of trifling import, 

 and the pigeons fighting their way against a heavy gale 

 are so much occupied as to forget much of their habitual 



