THE LANGUAGE OF WILD-FOWL. Ill 



fowl, and be able to know, by the talk of the birds, whether he may 

 approach them without exciting 1 suspicion, when he is suspected, and 

 when they have thrown off their alarm. It may require years of 

 experience to become familiar with these signs and expressions ; but 

 when once learnt, the punter reaps his reward in the extra success 

 which attends his exertions. 



The notes of the different species of water- fowl are so clear, yet so 

 expressive, that the human ear soon becomes familiar with them j 

 and it is from the fact of there being nothing artificial in the tone (as 

 there is in all musical instruments), that the precise sameness of the 

 note though it be seldom from the same throat as that which 

 taught the fowler to know it is nevertheless so faithful, that the 

 sound, when once learnt, was never known to be forgotten or mis- 

 taken. It is because of this clearness of distinction, that the memory 

 retains the firmer impression. 



An experienced punter would no more mistake the talk of a 

 widgeon at night, for any other fowl, than a higgler would mistake 

 the talk of a turkey for a game-cock. Thus he knows, when they 

 keep up a continuous confabulation, they are not suspecting danger ; 

 but when heard only at intervals, it is an indication of restlessness 

 and suspicion. If a warning note be given, and all is silent imme- 

 diately afterwards, the punter rests on his oars, nor moves a limb 

 until they open concert again, by which he is assured of their having 

 thrown off that one suspicion. 



Many sportsmen can produce an accurate imitation of the notes of 

 some of the fen-birds, more particularly of the plover and curlew ; 

 which a good mimic can turn to useful account, by enticing stray 

 birds to draw near his call, when he stops their flight with a charge 

 of shot, fired from some place of concealment. 



All water-fowl which seek their food at night, such as ducks, 

 widgeon, geese, and the like, are very clamorous whilst feeding : it 

 is their perpetual loquacity which enables them to keep together. 



