254 
REVIEWS. 
SMALL GAME SHOOTING AROUND OOTACAMUND. 
BY 
“ RoLLiInG STONE.” 
(The Ootacamund and Nilgiri Press. 8 as., postage extra.) 
A nineteen page pamphlet giving some tips intended to assist the devotee of 
the scatter gun who is a stranger to Ooty, in finding his quarry. 
The subject is but lightly touched upon as is to be expected from the limited 
size of the work. ‘The general advice given appears to be sound if not very ex- 
haustive. Quail are not mentioned though hardly uncommon. The pigeon 
referred to on page 17 is obviously the Nilgiri woodpigeon (Alsocomus elphin- 
stonii) though we are not told so. Personally, I consider this woodpigeon to be 
an infinitely finer game bird than the jungle fowl, spur fowl. etc. It offers far 
prettier shots and calls for the highest quality of marksmanship. This is more 
particularly true if the bird be walked up through the sholas, though even as a 
driven bird it gives good sport. Finally it should net be put in a pie but served 
on toast ! Though one cannot help regretting that this little work was not con- 
siderably expanded, it is well worth the price to those for whom it was written. 
The author mentions under the heading ‘‘ Conveyances ” that ‘‘ a pony can be 
hired in the bazaar ”’ but very wisely adds “it is scarcely worthwhile hiring”. 
The complete sportsman setting out from Ooty on a bazaar tat would be a 
' refreshing novelty ! 
THE WATER FOWL OF INDIA AND ASIA. 
BY 
Frank Frnn, B.A. (Oxon), F.ZS. 
(Third Edition, published by Thacker Spink & Co.) 
A previous edition of this excellent little book has accompanied me on many 
duck shooting expeditions and Christmas Camps ; where, if not already known 
to my companions or hosts, it has always been very favorably commented upon. 
It has never been my good fortune to test the description of one of the rarer 
ducks ; but we have got as many as ten species in a day and have always 
found the descriptions and illustrations an easy guide to any species of. which 
there is a doubt. 
The third edition is serviceably and artistically bound and can be easily 
carried, where the larger and more expensive books would only be a nuisance. 
The book does not pretend to give a comprehensive description of the various 
water fowls, but as a shooting camp companicn it will be much appreciated. 
