Sporting Notes in the Far East. 1 03 



distinguishable, as on the opposite side of the river there is a 

 clump of very fine trees, surrounding a " Joss House.'' 



After leaving the creek, get into the boat, and pull up above the 

 village : land on the right bank, and work the ground between the 

 village and a bridge which lays about a mile above it : here will 

 be found a lot of snipe, and I believe, above the bridge birds are 

 as plentiful as below it. 



Bag. 



3 Guns, end of September, 1886. 

 39 Snipe. 5 Duck. 2 Quail. 



I believe there was also a native bagged during the day, but he 

 being unlawful game, did not count. 



HIROTA BAY. 



My ship was here, one of a squadron of twelve ; this in the very 

 end of July ; so unfortunately there were no less than three 

 distinct obstacles to any shooting. First, it was too early in the 

 season, and close time. Secondly, no licence was obtainable ; 

 and thirdly, in consequence of it not being a Treaty pert, shooting 

 was strictly against station orders. 



Nevertheless, being unable to shoot: myself and two others went 

 away in my small boat for the afternoon, " prospecting " for a 

 future occasion. We pulled for the river, shooting the breakers at the 

 bar; and at the same time having a good deal of difficulty in keeping 



