Wild-Geese on the Sand-hills 131 
to remember his wonted haunts. We do not complain, much 
less despair. Such are the underlying, fundamental conditions 
of wildfowling in all lands. To a nature-lover the wildness of 
the scene, with its unique conditions and environment are ever 
sufficient reward. 
Roughly speaking, from a dozen to a score of geese may be 
reckoned as a fair average morning’s work for one gun. The 
following figures, selected from our game-books, indicate the 
degree of success that rewards exceptional skill. In each instance 
they apply to but one fowler, though two guns (12-bores) may 
have been employed. 
1908. Remarks, 
Dec. 4. 29 geese. Later in day, shot 46 ducks in the marisma close by. 
Dec. 5. 51 geese. Later, shot 25 ducks, 16 snipe.—B. F. B. 
1904. 
Nov. 27. 27 geese. (A second gunner shot but three.) 
Nov. 30. 52 geese. 
1903. 
Jan. 9. 23 geese. Westerly gale kept filling hole with sand; half my time 
spent in new excavation.—W. J. B. 
1908. 
Dec. 7. Three guns on sand-hills, 4+ 7+ 22=33 geese. 
Dec. 10. 42 geese. Shots fired, 44. Later in day, shot 55 ducks, 3 snipe = 100 
head.—B. F. B. 
1909. 
Jan. 8. 38 geese. 
Jan. 19. 59 geese. The record.—(B. F. B.) 
Dec. 29. H.M. King Alfonso XIII, 6 geese; Marg. de Viana, 5=11 
geese (an unfavourable morning). 
1910. 
Jan, 7. Two guns (second at Caiio de la Casquera), 12 + 28 = 40 geese. 
Jan. 8. 238 geese. 
Possibly the larger totals are unsurpassed in the world’s 
records. By way of contrast we append what may perchance 
be discovered in the note-book of the veracious tyro :— 
Went out three mornings at three, emptied three cartridge-bags at 
ridiculous ranges, fluked three geese, and scared three thousand. 
INSTRUCTIONS IN SHOOTING WILD-GEESE 
Where the main object is close quarters, ordinary 12-bore 
guns suffice. But since geese are very strong and heavily clad, 
large shot is a necessity, say No. 1. 
Thirty to thirty-five yards should be regarded as the outside 
range, with forty yards as an extreme limit. The latter, however, 
