WIDGEON SHOOTING. 247 



large companies. The widgeon is a bird which will not be driven, 

 but takes to its wings on the first alarm, rising directly high in 

 the air. 



The sportsman who would be successful at the sport of widgeon- 

 shooting must make himself familiar with the natural habits of the 

 birds. He should leave them to themselves in undisturbed seclusion 

 a few days, occasionally moving near them, with punt and gun, but 

 without offering to disturb them; by such-like coaxings he will 

 often be rewarded for his cunning. And after long, unsuccessful per- 

 secution with a rowing-punt, he will frequently find an excursion in 

 the sailing-punt, by way of change, an effectual means of getting at 

 them ; when he may run upon them, at an unguarded moment, in his 

 frail little bark, with all the ease and precision he could possibly 

 desire. 



Much more upon the subject of widgeon-shooting will be found 

 under the heads relating to punts, punting, and wild-fowl shooting in 

 its various branches. 



