him to navigate the net-work of sloughs with more 

 or less comfort, but it also helps him in hunting. A 

 stranger on some of our large snipe marshes would 

 be practically helpless unless he was accompanied 

 by some one who knew the flats and tides. 



The sportsman should be careful in tying his 

 boat, as it is a common thing in water-fowl shooting 

 to have it drift away and leave the hunter marooned 

 on some marshy island. 



The writer remembers making a long swim in 

 November, after an escaped boat; if you ever 

 experience this kind of adventure, you will tie your 

 boat securely ever after. 



In all large bays and winding water-courses, 

 where the tides are strong, there are always eddies, 

 or reaches, where the tide is either favorable or 

 sluggish. Then again, a knowledge of the tides will 

 help the hunter, and save him many a long and 

 weary pull against the swift current. 



JACK SNIPE 



At the head of the snipe family, or scolopaci- 

 dae, we have the American woodcock, and the 

 Wilson's snipe. As the woodcock is an upland 

 bird in all but family, we will pass him by here, and 

 speak of the Wilson's snipe. 



