Sporting Notes in the Far East. 177 



In this special kind of shooting, the use of a big double barrelled 

 8-bore gun was found for once, to give most satisfactory results ; as 

 the large collections of duck and teal, would seldom allow of a 

 closer approach of the boat than sixty or seventy yards ; except the 

 wind happened to be blowing from a point which would admit of 

 making sail ; and it was then sometimes quite possible to run right 

 in amongst them before they rose, prior to being hotly peppered by 

 the gunners crouching at the "ready," to windward of the mainsail. 



A long gun is also very handy in reaching the geese flying high 

 overhead after sundown, when it is very often so dark, that the 

 shooter after firing cannot possibly tell whether the shot has been 

 successful or otherwise, till he hears the thrice welcome flop, which 

 announces the arrival to Mother earth of a lifeless "guzz" dropping 

 from the clouds. 



In shooting late, unless assisted by a dog, the sportsman must trust 

 more to his ears than to his eyes, in picking up dead birds ; he must 

 endeavour to carefully remember the directions in which the 

 several birds fall ; as it never pays till the "flighting time" is over, to 

 gather individual slain ; for this period is very limited, and too many 

 opportunities will be lost at other birds. 



The colder the weather, the better the goose shooting ; and 

 there can be no doubt, that in a favourable season, with a little 

 patience and trouble, some capital bags can be made at Swatow. 



