206 THE INFLUENCE OF 



vent as the curlew. And he will not be con- 

 tent with taking himself out of your reach, he 

 will call out of danger every bird feeding 

 within a quarter of a mile of you. The best 

 method of outwitting the curlew is to take 

 a note of his goings to and fro. Have him 

 startled somewhat prematurely by a confede- 

 rate, and pot him if you can from some well- 

 concealed ambush in his line of flight. By 

 disturbing him at his meals instead of waiting 

 till he concludes, you will surprise him into 

 flying low. Remember, when you jump up, 

 to cover him instantly ; he will dart aside from 

 a gun like a snipe. There are some men who 

 can call curlew, but curlew language is far more 

 complicated than that of plover, and attempt- 

 ing it as rule will only serve to give a warning to 

 the most cautious of fen birds. 



Now, as to shooting, say in rain. Don't 

 shoot in rain ; it never pays. If you should 

 be enthusiast enough to go in pursuit of snipe 

 in a heavy shower, it may be useful to recol- 

 lect that they will run around you and from 

 you like so many red-legged partridges sooner 

 than rise. Your unfortunate pointer, should 



