64 SEAFOWL SHOOTING SKETCHES. 



we got abreast of them, although a long- way off, my brother let 

 fly a charge of No. i shot, and dropped one, and the rest flew 

 over the boat. I fired at one, which flew on, and then stopped, 

 evidently only very slightly touched. I took off leggings, boots, 

 and socks, and jumped ashore ; but the bird had disappeared. 

 However, I dropped a ring-plover, and picked up the first bird, 

 which was a bar-tailed godwit. I had some difficulty in getting 

 to the boat, as the flood was now coming up rather strongly, but 

 at last managed it all right, and resumed boots, &c. 



There was not any sport for a long time, and not wishing to 

 arrive at our moorings before the mud was covered, we lingered 

 on the way, though the weather looked very threatening. When 

 nearly at our anchorage, my brother dropped a gull a long 

 shot. It came down just as I was saying " Too far," thus mak- 

 ing me a false prophet. 



Our total bag was i stock dove, i gull, i godwit, i turnstone, 

 28 dunlin and curlew-sandpipers, 5 ring-plover, and another 

 small bird. We got home about 6 o'clock, well satisfied with our 

 outing. 



The introduction of the gentler sex in some of these outings 

 may be objected to as not being serious wildfowling. At any 

 rate, the ladies enjoyed it, and possibly our own pleasure was 

 enhanced by their company. 



I have a vivid recollection of two occasions when my wife 

 accompanied me. The first time she had one of the children in 

 her arms, and we were sailing up the river (wind southerly) when 

 the boom gybed, hitting her on the back, pushing her on her 

 knees into the bilge water, keeping her there till I could pull the 

 boom aft, and take off the pressure. She got in cold water, but 

 I caught it hot. 



The other incident was when out walking we found the boat 

 afloat, without the usual mud to wade through, it being about 

 high water. We embarked, and hoisting the sail, I steered with 

 my back on the tiller, when a gull coming over I hit it hard 

 with the first barrel. She called out, " Shoot again," which I 

 did, and after some dodging about picked it up. 



This proves women can enjoy such outdoor sport as well as 

 men. And the above incident is one of my pleasantest memories. 



