INTRODUCTORY. 3 



to set snares for a Jay or a Magpie, but it is quite another matter, if a keeper 

 comes across them, to persuade him that they are not intended for a Partridge. 

 In fact, the collector will find that inland he is duly appreciated nowhere. 

 " Disturbing the birds" is the lightest charge that will be brought against him, 

 and he had better migrate early to his natural resort, the sea shore. 



Here, especially in winter, he will be received with open arms as the 

 legitimate victim of some local gunner and his family ; and if he comes of a 

 stock that is proof against damp beds, and possesses the digestion of an ostrich, 

 he may pass a very enjoyable time in the pursuit of Ducks, Divers, Grebes, 

 &c., as well as the ordinary shore birds. On the whole, however, the months 

 of August and September are the best from the collecting point of view, 

 The autumn migration is then at its height, and, in addition to the Waders, 

 many inland species may at that time be met with on the coast. 



A few hints may be useful. A fishing village is apt to be short of 

 provisions. I have known places where they only kill an animal when a 

 customer has been found to bespeak every joint of the carcass, and therefore 

 I have found it advisable to take with me a few tinned tongues and some 

 good tea. Remember, too, that " Quaker Oats " emerge from the culinary 

 operations of the rustic wife with fewer lumps than does ordinary porridge ; 

 and don't believe the assertions of your hostess that she can serve up 

 Redshanks, &c., so that they cannot be to'd from Snipe. I never yet met one 

 that could do it. 



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