Sporting Notes in the Far East. 89 



One of the peculiar features of Barracoutta Harbour, are the 

 distinct and almost supernatural echoes ; which on the explosion 

 of your gun, are flung back from one pine clad hill to another. 

 From this cause, I should imagine, that during one visit of a big 

 fleet, to this place, the unfortunate water-fowl must have been 

 almost driven out of their seven senses. 



Parties there were abroad in all directions, mostly in boats ; and 

 apparently away more for pic-nicking than for sport. Every man 

 had a gun, and at anything sitting or flying, under a hundred 

 yards from the boat, it was " Time by the right Fire ! " The 

 result being a hideous echoing din, and no duck. 



I shall never forget coming across one keen ? man, who was 

 doing " strong work," in a thirty-two foot boat, full of sailors. I 

 am sure he did not do much execution ; as putting aside the loud 

 talking, he had the bright flag of his country braving the battle, 

 and frightening the duck, as it streamed gracefully over the stern 

 of the boat, and as of yore driving all before it. 



I wonder how many shots and " stalks " of other people, this 

 sportsman had the doubtful pleasure of upsetting. 



Sand-flies and mosquitoes are very bad. 



Seining is almost impossible, on account of the weed in the 

 shallows ; and fresh water fishing is a myth, any time after May ; the 

 salmon later in the year being always very sick and covered with 

 fungi, owing to the great overcrowding, and consequent pollution 



