THE FAMILY OF WADERS. 277 



must be out in all seasons and in all weathers. 

 Some of my most valued insights as to the ways 

 and haunts of wild -fowl notably swimmers and 

 waders have been gained in such rough freezing 

 weather that for very pity's sake, for a merciful 

 man must be considerate to dogs, the rough-coated 

 water-spaniels have been left at home. If the bird 

 aimed at came to hand, well and good ; if it did 

 not, the great gulls, the black -cobs, ate it almost 

 alive. 



