CLOTHING 243 
But as there are usually lots of ducks in on the slobs, etc., 
during windy days, a safe venture might be taken by working 
the channels and creeks, from which occasional shots might 
be got; in fact, during storms many of the ducks find shelter 
in such creeks. Be cautious and work up the channels as soon 
as ever the tide begins to flow, or you may be overtaken by the 
weather. Severe wintry weather is, without doubt, the best of 
all for punt-shooting. When all is frozen up inland, and the 
country mantled with snow, the gunner afloat on the tide may 
expect to meet with practically all kinds of fowl, from swans 
downward. There then only remains for him to select his 
best times to set out, and make good his time when he has the 
chance, for these chances seem to be few nowadays in our 
native isles. 
Clothing is an all-important matter when punt-shooting. 
To be thinly and unsuitably clad out on salt water in cold 
weather is simply courting danger in more than a few respects. 
No doubt a strong and vigorous person may go for years 
lightly dressed without contracting anything harmful; yet be 
assured that, although he may not feel any ill-effects at the 
time, he will probably suffer in later years. It is always 
wise to be on the safe side in matters of this kind. We 
therefore advise sportsmen to clothe well, as well as properly, 
when going afloat after wildfowl. Let all underclothing be 
woollen. Flannel next the skin. Of course, as to exact quantity 
we leave to each individual. We usually wear light flannel 
singlet or vest, woollen shorts, thick woollen linings or pants, 
(called by some professional punters ‘‘fearnoughts”), and 
a pair of long woollen stockings. Over this lot we put a 
thick woollen sweater or guernsey (white for preference), then 
an ordinary thick woollen cloth coat and knickers. Over the 
coat we wear a white duck jacket, for the sake of harmonising 
with the punt. Although these jackets do little to keep out 
the cold they are not bad for turning a little wet, though, of 
