"20 WILD-FOWL SHOOTING 



gestions 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 get- 

 ting 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 waterproof boots, 

 they are totally out of the question : the common diker's 

 boots would so impede your walking, and also be such a 

 hinderance when crawling upon ducks or running upon 

 divers, as considerably to lessen your chance ; and the 

 India-rubber boots would, in no time, become so perfo- 

 rated with briers and whin as to be of little more service 

 than a worsted stocking. The most suitable dress is a 

 light brown duffle shooting-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 shoot- 

 ing-jacket, and another to your cap. 



