42 BROADLAND SPORT 



explained, and in some dilated upon at length. Therefore, 

 it is best to confine present remarks as much as possible to 

 personal practical experience. 



First, let us review decoys when used in connection with 

 punt-shooting. In this branch of sport they are less used 

 than in any other, and only when it is almost impossible to 

 move about on account of ice or stress of weather. Yet we 

 have known the time when their assistance was in no wise 

 to be despised, more particularly in " wakes," or, rather, the 

 open sheets of water which, either from artificial means, 

 tidal eddies, springs, or sheltering trees, have not been 

 grasped by the iron clutches of Jack Frost until long after 

 other more exposed places are securely locked in ice. The 

 appellation "wake" is certainly peculiar, and in the sense 

 here referred to cannot be found in the dictionary; but, 

 nevertheless, it is in constant use amongst punt-gunners, 

 marshmen and wildfowl-shooters in general, who, when once 

 in the sole, undisputed possession of a good " wake," situated 

 in a prominent and well-frequented district, have, in their 

 estimation, attained a long-coveted empyrean of blissful 

 contentment. 



" Wakes " formed on saltings and mud flats are caused by 

 the rising and falling of the tide, which, on the ebb, leaves 

 ice resting on uneven hillocks of mud, or over runs and drains, 

 and if the ice is insufficiently strong it falls in ; then, on the 

 tide rising again, the wind blows all detached pieces to lee- 

 ward, clearing an open " wake " of varying dimensions. On 

 inland lakes and waters " wakes " are often formed through 

 springs or tame birds. 



If you do not have the luck to come across a naturally- 

 formed "wake," one can be made. Select the ground, or 

 rather water, in a part well open to the wind, because, so 

 long as waves roll across the water it will remain open, and 

 this in still, frosty weather is always a great difficulty. 

 Again, remember always to commence breaking ice from 

 extreme leeward, working to windward. If you begin to 

 windward, and work to leeward, you will be surrounded by 



