ON THE HIGHLAND LOCHS. 213 



Hawker ; but I have never seen any suggestions to assist 

 the beginner how to proceed in the winter shooting on our 

 large Highland lochs ; and many a man may have it in 

 his power to enjoy the recreation in this way, who has 

 neither opportunity nor inclination to follow it in all its 

 glory on the coast with a stanchion gun and punt. 



The man who engages in this sport must be of an 

 athletic frame and hardy habits : he must not mind getting 

 thoroughly wet, nor think of rheumatism while standing or 

 sitting in clothes well soaked, perhaps for an hour at a time, 

 watching fowl. As to water-proof boots, they are totally 

 out of the question : the common diker's boots would so 

 impede your walking, and also be such a hindrance when 

 crawling upon ducks or running upon divers, as consider- 

 ably to lessen your chance; and the India-rubber boots 

 would, in no time, become so perforated with briers and 

 whin as to be of little more service than a worsted stock- 

 ing. The most suitable dress is a light brown duffle shoot- 

 ing-jacket and waistcoat, as near the shade of the ground 

 and trees in the winter season as possible, your great object 

 being to avoid the quick sight of the birds ; shoes well 

 studded with nails, like a deer-stalker's, to prevent slipping, 

 and a drab-coloured waterproof cap. Should the weather 

 be very cold, I sometimes put on two pairs of worsted 

 stockings, but never attempt any protection from the wet. 

 If snow is on the ground, wear a white linen cover to your 

 shooting-jacket, and another to your cap. 



A gun suitable for this sport is indispensable. It cer- 

 tainly ought to be a double-barrel, and as large as you 



