214 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



at the full and change, as at both these periods she acts in con- 

 junction with the Sun on the earth. 



For Eail-shooting in the Delaware or Schuylkill, and, in fact, 

 in all the tributaries of the former, a Southerly or Southeasterly 

 wind will produce the best tides, but we have seen good tides 

 when the wind was from quite a contrary direction, and no 

 doubt every Kail-shooter has occasionally been deceived in his 

 calculations on this head. We have known excellent tides 

 in our river when the wind was blowing fresh from the North- 

 east. 



It is a common observation that Soras are fatter during the 

 increase and full of the Moon than at any other time, which 

 has been accounted for by the fact that the Bird is at this time 

 able to feed both by day and night ; and, moreover, the high 

 tides that prevail frequently at this period enable the Rails to 

 get at the seeds better, and a much greater deposit of them is 

 also left on the mud at low water, by the breaking down and 

 shaking of the reeds during the ebb and flowing of the water. 

 If the day be somewhat obscured, it will answer the purpose of 

 the Sportsman much better than a clear sky, as the reflection 

 of the sun from the water upon one's face, in connection with 

 the beaming hot rays upon one's head, for several hours toge- 

 ther, is not the most pleasant position by any means that a 

 Shooter can place himself in. 



The sport continues without intermission till the receding 

 tide warns the "pusher" that all his efforts will soon prove un- 

 availing to propel the boat through the thick reeds that encom- 

 pass him on every side. 



It is useless to attempt to give any instructions as to shoot- 

 ing these Birds, as we are convinced that any one who keeps 

 his eyes open, and points the gun towards the Eail, will be sure 

 to kill them, as they seldom or never deviate from a direct 

 course, but pursue a bee line for a few yards, and then pop 

 down again. The only thing necessary to make an expert Rail- 

 shooter is a little quickness in handling the gun, as the Bird 

 must be covered as soon as on the wing, otherwise he flutters 

 for a moment or so, and then drops in the reeds; and, as before 

 remarked, when down after being flushed, he lies very close, 

 and is difl&cult to be got up again. 



