WILDFOWLING COSTUME 113 



inspiring discharge of a large-bored gun, often under its very 

 nose, or, at least, within a few feet of its ears. It requires 

 great care, forbearance and patience to thoroughly accustom 

 it to the report alone, which is only done by gradually in- 

 creasing the charge and decreasing the distance from it until 

 it shows itself utterly indifferent thereto. And the whole is a 

 matter of time in establishing a firm belief and confidence in 

 its trainer, who must do all by kindness, and prove himself to 

 be, besides an instructor, a benefactor and a friend. 



Secondly, there is the artificial stalking-horse, which is 

 now, comparatively speaking, a rarity. To make one of these 

 one must obtain either a horse or bullock skin (readily 

 procured from any 

 butcher, knacker or 

 slaughterer) ; other- 

 wise one will have 

 to make one by cut- 

 ting out and painting 

 as good an imitation 

 in canvas as possible ; 

 the latter, if done 

 really well, answers 

 to all intents and FIG - vm - 



purposes as well as a genuine skin. If the real skin be utilised 

 it will be found an advantage to thoroughly cure it before 

 proceeding to mount it, as it will then last much longer, and 

 its obnoxious odour is removed. 



The preparations for accomplishing this task are many ; 

 but the best plan is to send it to the nearest fellmonger, who, 

 for a few shillings, will return it perfectly cured and in a 

 soft condition. 



The skin complete, the next move is to knock together a 

 rough wooden framework (as defined in the accompanying 

 sketch, see Fig. VIII.), and after the skin has been firmly nailed, 

 or otherwise secured to it, your animal is quite ready for business ; 

 and the cost of its keep is far less than that of a living one ! 



The height from the shoulder to the hoof should not exceed 



H 



