THE EAIL. 213 



parties are mucli closer watclied than they usually are at the 

 present time, we will merely state that there are some indi- 

 viduals, " begging their pardons," nothing remarkable for their 

 shooting qualities, who never can be beat, or never will be beat 

 upon a trial-match at Eail-shooting, no matter how great the 

 number their antagonist kills. For the simple reason that they 

 are leagued in with their friends and "pushers" to provide them 

 with the Birds when in the reeds concealed from observation, 

 even if the stern or bow of the boat is not stuffed full before 

 leaving the landing ; or perchance he may find a dozen or two 

 staked out in the reeds, which will so considerably augment 

 his numbers, that no shot, no matter how good, can easily over- 

 count him. 



We know that such tricks have been practised upon our 

 friends, " and we consider it our duty to expose them, and thus 

 put the green ones" on their guard, or, at least, on an equal 

 footing with these wonderful "Rail-shooters," who every season 

 perform such miracles, and make loud boasts of their slaughter 

 and carnage. 



As the boat passes through the reeds, the Rails usually rise 

 singly a few feet in advance of the bow, and, flying slowly in a 

 direct line, present a fair mark for the Sportsman. It is seldom 

 that more than one Bird is killed at a time, although two are 

 occasionally brought down with one barrel, when they spring 

 fast, and cross each other in their flight. 



It is the duty of the " pusher" to mark the Birds that are 

 killed, as also to notice where those that escape drop down ; 

 and when a Rail springs on either side of the boat, he should 

 call out " mark !" so that the Shooter may be on the alert to 

 bang away in every direction. The higher the tide, the better 

 the sport ; as the boat will glide more freely over the reeds, and 

 the Birds, having less shelter, are obliged to spring more fre- 

 quently when come upon. The reeds around the boat should 

 be constantly beat with the pole, as Rails are often concealed 

 within a few feet of our track, and will not stir without being 

 driven to " wing" by this method. 



The tides are regulated very much by the wind ; and the 

 Moon, also, has no small influence in the production of high 

 tides, commonly called " spring tides," which may occur both 



