SHOOTING, ETC. 1G5 



around are getting very indistinct, there is a sudden 

 flash, a temporary return of light for a short time, 

 which conveys a sort of feeling as if the day were 

 struggling for a few moments to return. In shoot- 

 ing ducks at this time of the evening, or by moon- 

 light, I always felt certain that anything in the shape 

 of a bird I could see was sure to be within range. 

 Everything appears smaller than the reality, and con- 

 sequently further off. A white piece of paper round 

 the muzzle of your gun assists very much. In the 

 absence of paper I have used my pocket-handkerchief. 

 Although I believe that in firing at birds on the wing 

 you really stare with both eyes wider open than usual 

 at the object, and the gun follows mechanically the 

 direction of the sight, still, if waiting by water, and the 

 birds light before you fire, then is the time that the 

 white patch on your gun comes in to advantage. 



One species of wood grouse I have shot in Yesso, I 

 believe there is no other. It is never found in Japan 

 proper,'' although the Strait of Tsuga, between the two 

 islands, is only ten miles across. Pheasants again 

 never reach Yesso, although they are fairly plentiful 

 on the opposite side. Blackcock and capercailzie would 



1 The expression "Japan proper" is used, as YessO is, strictly 

 speaking, a continuation of the Kuril Islands, and does not come 

 under the old title of " Nipon." 



