FLAPPER SHOOTING. 205 



they are to be killed at springs and fountains, and beside running 

 waters. But it is not proposed here to go into the complicated 

 mysteries of wild-fowling. The Flapper-shooter hunts the moor- 

 land turf-pits and green oases of bog patches ; reed banks are 

 worked and waded through ; every available marsh walked ; swamps 

 beaten, and places at all likely to contain the succulent ducklings 

 thoroughly investigated. Our game is not invariably hatched in 

 close proximity to water. Occasionally a wild duck fixes on a most 

 abnormal place wherein to construct her nest. The ten to sixteen 

 greenish-white eggs have been found in the trunks and crowns of 

 trees and in high and dry tussocks, away from either pond, pit 

 or running water. Where the brood has been reared, there the 

 Flappers for a time remain ; and good shooting may be found in 

 many a secluded bottom, and on many a moorland height. In 

 such vicinage, and more particularly when alternately beating 

 across wet areas and swampy hollows in the autumn, the pleasures 

 of Flapper-shooting are Hkely to be increased by the flushing of a 

 wisp of snipe, a spring of teal, or a company of sibillant widgeon. 

 Much powder is burnt, the bag is heavy and varied, and the 

 excitement of uncertainty is thrilling. Such chance encounters 

 are things to be ruminated over afterwards by the ingle-nook. 



Caution and sportsmanlike strategy will ever conduce to success 

 in Flapper-shooting. The birds are shy, circumspect, and remark- 

 ably acute in sight and hearing. Though they delight to paddle 

 and feed in fair, fresh water, such as lakes and streams, often some- 

 what exposed, their instinctive timidity is ever alert. Nevertheless, 

 the good man, with good gun (held straight) and good dog, 

 rarely fails to find the adolescent wild duck productive of pleas- 

 ing sport and healthful recreation. That the birds require 



