491 
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 
Modern Wildfowling. By ‘‘Wiuprow ER,” of ‘The Field.’ 8vo, 
pp. 511, with numerous illustrations. London: ‘The Field’ 
Office. 1880. 
Cou. Hawxer’s ‘Instructions to young Sportsmen in all that 
relates to Guns and Shooting’ has long been a text-book on the 
fascinating pursuit of wildfowling, and having passed through at 
least a dozen editions, must be familiar to everyone who carries 
a gun. It is full of practical information, much of which is 
useful at the present day, but having been written just fifty years 
ago, that portion of the work which relates to guns has naturally 
grown somewhat antiquated. The vast improvements which 
have been made in guns of all kinds since the introduction of the 
breech-loading system has completely revolutionised the notions 
which were current in Col. Hawker’s day. 
The same cannot be said of Mr. Folkard’s excellent book, 
‘The Wildfowler,’ for this is a more modern work, and one 
with which no one can dispense who aspires to be an adept in 
the art of which it treats. Nevertheless this writer has left 
untrodden a good bit of ground that has now been covered by 
‘Wildfowler” in the work before us. The three volumes seem 
practically to supply all that can possibly be needed on the 
subject. ‘‘Wildfowler,” availing himself of the teaching of his 
predecessors, has confirmed or refuted the results of their 
- experience by his own, and pointing out the modifications which 
in many respects have been rendered necessary by modern 
improvements, has augmented the literature of the subject by 
much original and practical information. His book, which is an 
illustrated reprint of articles contributed to ‘The Field,’ deals 
not only with the various modes of approaching or decoying and 
killing wildfowl of all kinds, but enters in minute detail upon the 
construction of punts, both single and double-handed; sails ; 
punt-guns, muzzle-loading as well as breech-loading; recoil 
apparatus; and shoulder-guns of all patterns, with the varying 
loads required for different bores. In addition to this are several 
chapters devoted to a narration of adventures of the author while 
in pursuit of wildfowl both at home and abroad, which are very 
pleasant reading. 
