142 Sporting Notes in the Far East. 



cut scrub, and surround its sides with the same for shelter, get in 

 and shove off. 



The island situated between the two sheets of water, is a capital 

 place to wait ; as the punt can be totally concealed in the high reeds, 

 and flocks of geese and duck fly continually backwards and forwards 

 above it, for the first three hours after daybreak. 



The lakes are quite shallow, but the water in the late autumn is 

 of a decidedly low temperature, and not at all pleasant for wading. 

 It is as well to be accompanied with a coolie to carry back the spoil. 

 Large companies of duck sleep on these lagoons all the day 

 through ; but unfortunately for want of cover near the edges of 

 the water, it is quite impossible to get within shot by stalking, and 

 paddling after them in a boat is worse than useless. The best rule 

 to follow is to lay quiet all day, remaining for the evening 

 " General Post," which I believe affords almost better sport than 

 the " commotion " of the morning. 



GUINSEY POWER. About ten miles from Newchang ; it is a 

 favourite resort of the inhabitants for shooting, which is done from 

 neatly secreted, well-oiled, water-tight tubs ; the sportsman sitting 

 well hidden in these receptacles, ready to bowl over the plump 

 mallard and his wife, as they fly past within shot. 



NODDLING TOMMY. Also a well patronized spot. A naval friend 

 of mine visited this place in a pilot boat ; but good as it was, he did 

 not prefer it to Hwan-Tai and its surroundings. 



