WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 101 



ployed, it was usual to place them near the haunts of the fowl a long- 

 time before-hand, or move them hy the g-entlest possible means, else the 

 device would be detected. And it would appear, that the whole of 

 the stalking-horse devices were found fitter for excursions in early- 

 morning- or twilight, than broad daylight, the natural watchfulness of 

 the birds frequently enabling them to detect the imposition being 

 practised upon them. 



The wild-fowler should not be disheartened at disappointments, nor 

 should he repine at blank days. It is these which make him relish 

 the more successful ones ; for, if he were always sure of success, the 

 excitement and true sportsmanlike feeling would be considerably 

 diminished. The uncertainty attendant upon the sport enkindles a 

 desire for success, and induces a man to exert himself the more stre- 

 nuously. 



Some branches of the sport are, truly, rather hazardous to careless 

 individuals ; but in all sporting pursuits there is more or less of that 

 character, much of which may be avoided by skill and caution. 



The young sportsman should always take care of himself, his 

 health and comfort being of more importance than all the birds in 

 the land ; and if exposed much to the weather, as of necessity he 

 will be, in pursuing the sport vigorously, the gTeater precautions are 

 necessary. Warm clothing and good living are indispensable requi- 

 sites to the man who goes wild-fowl shooting ; and, above all things, 

 he should keep his feet and body dry, or at least from the ill effects 

 of fresh water. 



Leather water-boots are to be preferred to India-rubber : the latter, 

 from not being porous, are cold and uncomfortable ; if they become 

 damp inside, they remain so : whereas leather, from its porousness, 

 absorbs dampness, and becomes dry in a very short time ; and by 

 having the boots dressed over two or three times a week with neat's- 

 foot oil and tallow, in about equal proportions, they are rendered im- 

 pervious to wet, the leather is preserved, and the boots are kept black 

 and pliable. Worsted gloves are to be preferred to leather, for punt- 

 ing, because it is impossible sometimes to avoid getting the hands wet 

 at that pursuit 5 by simply wringing the worsted glove, it may 

 be directly put on again, and will keep the hand warm, notwithstand- 

 ing its being slightly damp : but a leather glove shrinks, becomes 

 cold to the hand, and uncomfortable. 



The punter should wear a white flannel jacket similar to those 

 worn by journey men- carpenters ; than which, there is no more com- 



