WHEN AFLOAT, BY NIGHT. 331 



The former is a general term among people on the 

 coast ; but the latter, in the neighbourhood of Lyrning- 

 ton, is called a " spreader" 



If we can neither find a creek nor a " latch," with 

 sufficient water to set up to birds, it is sometimes 

 thought necessary to put the canoe in one of the latter, 

 and there await the return of the tide, with which we 

 may gradually approach them, as the water flows. But 

 if this advance cannot be made under an hour or two, 

 we may as well go away; and, if no better chance 

 should offer, return to the place when the tide has risen 

 to within one or two hundred yards of the birds, instead 

 of waiting idle for so long a time. 



Here, unless disturbed, they will remain, as long as 

 the tide allows them a place to stand on ; and, as the 

 mud begins to disappear, will concentrate themselves 

 on the last uncovered spot ; where, to use the words of 

 a gunner, as soon as the water begins to " whiten the 

 mud" thousands may be seen, literally wedged among 

 one another, and from whence they are so unwilling to 

 fly, that they will seldom stir till the water actually 

 sets them afloat. With proper management, therefore, 

 you have, at this time, every chance of approaching 

 them. To do this, let your punt or canoe be kept well 

 fore and aft, and lie down in her, as close as having to 

 push, or paddle, her will admit of. But do not advance 

 on your birds till you have just sufficient water to carry 

 up your punt. Then " work up" to them ; and be 

 careful, all the time, to guard against any sudden mo- 

 tion. By attending to this, and having every thing 

 white (except in moonlight, when a drab, or canvas 

 colour, will be less glaring), you may safely approach 

 the unsuspecting mass of fowl, which will, at first, 



