06 THE WILD-FOWLER. 



There is not one word in Markham, under this head, as to shooting 

 birds as they fly, such being- an art considered at that age next to 

 an impossibility ; though he gives special instructions as to killing 

 many birds at a shot rather than " striving to shoote at a single 

 fowle." 



There can be no difficulty at the present day in finding game in a 

 well-preserved cover, and still less to flush it within range. And in 

 a stubble or turnip field, with the services of a well-trained pointer or 

 setter, the game may be found and approached without difficulty. 

 But what a contrast to wild-fowl sitting on a large open river, on a 

 lake, or on the sea ! The sportsman must remember that there is 

 neither stubble, turnip-tops, cover, or ambush of any kind to screen 

 the birds from view, or himself from their quick and watchful eye. 

 He surveys them at a distance, deliberately feeding on the fatness of 

 the abundant productions of the oozy bed, as if conscious of their 

 security : or, it may be, he observes a large gaggle of wild-geese sit- 

 ting far out at sea, and garrulously revelling in their unapproachable 

 position : the birds by nature taught, that there is no hiding-place 

 at sea when danger threatens, and their escape must be by flight. It 

 is therefore asserted, without fear of contradiction, that to approach 

 wild-fowl at such times, and in such situations, and get within deadly 

 range, is an art only to be acquired by much experience, labour, and 

 perseverance ; but we shall endeavour to show that such is to be 

 done ; and that the art, when well understood, as far excels all other 

 branches of shooting as fox-hunting excels donkey-racing.* 



The essence of enjoyment in shooting, consists in searching for, 

 finding, and approaching the game ; persevering against difficulties, 

 and struggling with obstacles apparently insurmountable : and not in 

 walking into closely-stocked covers, banging right and left at phea- 

 sants, with gun-barrels heated to danger, and having bag and pockets 

 laden with tame game. Such is not pure sport in the estimation of the 

 author, but undignified slaughter ; the poor victims have no chance of 

 escape, rising as they do within a few yards of the gun : so that the 



Harquebush, for these hold the best charges, and carry the farthest level. * * * 

 As for the shape or mariner of it, 'tis better it be a fire-locke or snaphaunce than a 

 cocke and tricker, for it is safer and better for carriage, readier for use, and keepes 

 the powder dryer in all weathers, whereas the blowing of a coale is many times the 

 losse of the thing aymed at." 



* The author of " Sport and its Pleasures" remarks : " It must, indeed, be glori- 

 ous sport that of wild-fowl shooting to those who have the health and stamina to 

 endure weather the most severe, fatigue and excitement the most intense." P. 100. 



