SLIGHT DKAWBACKS. 327 



Following us incessantly in our movements, they robbed us of 

 many crippled birds, and by hovering over reposing ducks 

 and alarming them, they spoilt many a shot. The myriads of 

 whistling-teal were also most aggravating, as, ever on the 

 wing, their ceaseless cries kept all other birds in a state of 

 unrest. Lastly, the bald-coots proved as obnoxious as usual, 

 interposing between us and the nobler birds we were cau- 

 tiously approaching, and startling them before we came 

 within range ; but with these annoyances the wild-fowl 

 shooter in Bengal must always put up. 



