Valencia 325 



keeper. Hence trespass is impossible. During autumn and up 

 to the first shoot never a liuman form intrudes upon the deserted 

 rice-grounds ; and the enormous assembhiges of wildfowl which 

 at that season congregate thereon enjoy uniriterru})ted peace and 

 security up to mid-November. More favourable conditions it is 

 impossible to conceive — on the Albufera, for example, the fowl 

 are liable to constant disturbance by passing boats, etc. 



The first shoot of the year takes place about the date just 

 named, November 15, and is repeated every eighth day thereafter 

 up to the middle of January, when the rice-grounds are run dry. 



Upon the completion of the auction sales there is announced 

 a definite day and hour at wdiicli (and at which only) the lessor 

 is permitted to enter the rice-grounds, in order to prepare his 

 shelter. Should he omit or neglect this opportunity, he is not 

 afterw^ards allowed to touch it until the actual mornins; of the 

 shooting. 



Since there growls on rice-grounds no natural cover whatever, 

 it is essential to prepare some form of screen or shelter, and the 

 reeds or sedges required for the purpose must be brought from 

 elsewhere. 



Across each replaza, or conceded space, is erected a double 

 line of screens, two yards apart and carefully masked by a fringe 

 of reeds or rice-stalks. In the intervening "lane" are fixed tw^o 

 or more sunken tubs wdierein the shooters can sit concealed. 



Hardly has midnight struck on that eventful morn than the 

 world is amove. Highways and byways, on land and water, are 

 crowded by mobilising forces ; across the dark waters move forth 

 whole squadrons of boats, punts and launches, each one steering a 

 course towards some far-away replaza. Absolute silence reigns. 

 No lights are allowed and no sound shocks the mystery of night 

 save the creaking of punt-pole or lapping of wave — no human 

 sound, that is, for " the night is filled with music " ; the pall 

 overhead, the unseen wastes on every side are vocal with wild- 

 fowl cries. Continuously the still air is rent and cleft by the rush 

 of myriad pinions. From right and left, before and behind, pass 

 hurrying hosts, their violent flight resonant as the wash of an 

 angry sea. But never a shot is fired. That is against the rules. 



Shortly before sunrise the note of a bugle announces to 

 hundreds of impatient ears the signal " Open fire," and in that 

 instant the fusillade from far and near rages like a battle. For a 



