ii4 BROADLAND SPORT 



5ft. 6in. ; also, on closer observation of the sketch it will be 

 noticed that the main props, or legs, are made double, the 

 reason for this being that the duplicates are light splines, and 

 attached only at the top by loose hinges, so that when the 

 framework falls towards the shooter, upon leaving go of it the 

 duplicates (weighted at their foot) fall first, thereby catching 

 and supporting the horse and preventing it falling into the 

 mud or water, as would otherwise be the case. The skin is 

 not securely fastened in the middle of the splines, but a space 

 is left sufficient for the shooter to insert his hand or arm, and to 

 facilitate his holding it. Some of these " animals " have their 

 heads adjusted in such a manner that the operator can move 

 them up or down, as he desires, by strings or other arrangement. 



Some also are made rotund and not silhouette, the shooters, 

 two in number, walking inside the animal and shooting from 

 loopholes made in its side. 



When approaching birds it is best to proceed leisurely, in 

 a kind of half-end-on direction, taking plenty of time, always, 

 if possible, working up wind, and going at a very slow pace. 

 If these directions are carefully carried out the birds should 

 hardly notice the fiery steed or domesticated cow, as the case 

 may be, and the aforesaid animal can quietly approach nearer 

 and nearer to the unsuspecting fowl, apparently grazing to its 

 heart's content and perfectly harmless, until, with a decidedly 

 bellicose snort, it deals forth death and destruction to the 

 feathered tribe around. 



Birds, however, who have been once or twice deceived by 

 this innocent-looking beast, generally take good care to give it 

 a wide berth for the future. But every enjoyment has its 

 drawbacks, and at times, when the stalker is intent on his 

 endeavours to successfully approach a flock of plover or duck 

 in the fens or a marshy district, he suddenly becomes aware of 

 a trampling of many feet in his immediate vicinity, the general 

 stampede alarming not only the birds, but, in nine cases out 

 of ten, himself also. Upon turning to ascertain the cause of 

 the unexpected tumult, he is confronted with a sight not easily 

 to be eradicated from his memory. Within twenty yards a 



