264 IN BIRD-LAND 



were out of season the eels began to occupy his 

 attention and lapwings' eggs to be diligently sought 

 for. In the end of April the island in his watery 

 domain was frequently visited for the sake of 

 shooting the ruffs which resorted thither, on their 

 first arrival. As the days grew longer and hotter 

 he might be found searching in some smaller pools 

 near his house for the shoals of tench, as they com- 

 menced spawning. Yet a little longer and he 

 began marsh-mowing his gun always laid ready 

 upon his coat, in case flappers should be met with. 

 By the middle of August teal came to a wet corner 

 near his cottage, snipes began to arrive, and he was 

 often called upon to exercise his vocal powers on 

 the curlews that passed to and fro. By the end of 

 September good snipe-shooting was generally to be 

 met with in his neighbourhood ; and his accurate 

 knowledge of the marshes, his unassuming good- 

 humour, and zeal in providing sport for those who 

 employed him, made him very much sought after 

 as a sporting guide by snipe shots and fishermen ; 

 and his knowledge of the habits of different birds 

 enabled him to give useful information to those who 

 collected them." 



In more modern times the agent of the pro- 

 fessional egg-collector has very much to answer for 



