PREFACE. 



The following- sketches were written at various times, and if 

 not very exciting, have, at least, the merit of truthfulness. 



Having kept a diary for over 40 years, with a one-volume sum- 

 mary of birds obtained, it has been an easy matter to refresh my 

 memory as to the various incidents. 



I rarely get out on the water now, the bicycle having super- 

 ceded the boat, though I still follow the wildfowl, and have often 

 carried the gun or the crossbow on the cycle. Strange associa- 

 tion of the ancient and modern, in the latter case. 



A few words about shooting. I am sure it ought to be en- 

 couraged instead of obstructed. When I began, provided it was 

 not used at game, anyone could carry and use a gun. 



I know that the most intelligent people, who have never 

 handled firearms when young, are a long time before they get 

 accustomed to them. 



It will be little use attempting to teach the use of weapons 

 when the enemy is thundering at the gate. 



And you cannot get men to voluntarily practice at a dead 

 mark; they naturally want to show some "game." 



There is something to be said as to the charge of cruelty in 

 shooting, and I deplore it as much as anyone. I also try to 

 make use of what I shoot. 



