FLIGHTING 129 



grounds, with which one must necessarily be well conversant 

 before success can be assured. 



The glorious summer evenings and mild, temperate 

 weather of August renders flight shooting a sport accessible 

 to many who through age or ill-health would be unable to 

 withstand the roughness and rigour of the climate of the 

 later months. Moreover, the pleasure can be sometimes en- 

 hanced by arranging a party, which is easily done when con- 

 versant with a favoured haunt and pools used by fowl. 

 Blinds or shelters are erected in the most favourable positions, 

 and on the eventful occasion when the birds arrive compara- 

 tively early they meet with a warm reception. 



In the early part of the season fowl come in families and 

 larger parties than is the case a month or so later, whilst 

 their approach is generally heralded by " the sound of the 

 distant and random gun " of other flighters occasionally firing. 



Like snipe, wildfowl seldom remain during winter in the 

 district where they have been bred, but they pass southwards, 

 others taking their place. Gargany, shovellers and other 

 fowl give ample proof of this to anyone who is at all 

 observant. 



As the season advances positions are shifted to the stacks, 

 stubbles and mosses, where the birds have become far more 

 wary, which, though considerably increasing the enjoyment 

 of the sport, has a tendency to decrease the bag. This system 

 is also worked by constructing hides at a wet spot, by means 

 of sunken tubs in place of the stuffed hurdle or other 

 arrangement. 



The sere and yellow leaf indicating the nearer approach 

 of migratory birds, more attention should be given to the lower 

 and moister grounds, where the shortened days and rapidly- 

 darkening nights render a hide not at all imperative, as a 

 gate-post, low bush or tuft of rushes suffices, provided the 

 shooter, as before mentioned, assimilates his clothes to the 

 surroundings, and at the near approach of fowl keeps his 

 body as motionless as possible. Indeed, in broad daylight, if 

 the wildfowler stands perfectly still in the open, birds will 



