MISCELLANEOUS SPORT 323 



(b) When the birds are lying badly during 



a strong wind. 

 On the other hand, the guns should walk up wind 



(a) During a sharp frost, when the birds 



will be lying badly ; 



(b) When there is but a light breeze (but 



not during a thaw) after a dark 

 night ; 



(c) In approaching a bird for the second 



time after flushing. 



(6) The best hours to shoot snipe are those immedi- 



ately following daybreak, and the hours just 

 before dark. 



(7) Snipe-shooting should not commence on ist 



August, as commonly practised. The end of 

 September is the earliest time they are likely 

 to be found in good condition. 



(8) Better shooting is obtained in big grass fields 



soaked with water, or in bogs that have only 

 shallow pools, than in large flooded bogs and 

 extensive marshes. I n the latter case a single 

 shot may cause a whole flock to rise " in 

 wisps," and thus offer poor sport. In these 

 cases it is perhaps better to drive the birds. 

 If suitable arrangements can be made, a rope 

 may be drawn across the bog or " moss." In 

 those cases where mallard and teal are also 

 present, capital sport can be obtained with 

 good guns. 



