UPLAND SHOOTING. 
295 
color to the plumage of the Rail, that unless it is marked with 
the most perfect accuracy, literally to a foot’s space, it is almost 
useless to look for it. So many boats, moreover, are darting 
about in all directions, the rival pole-men driving their skiffs 
with all attainable velocity, and the emulous shooters banging 
away at the thick-rising birds, without much caring whether 
some other sportsman be or be not within the range, and in the 
line of shot, that in order to get good sport, not a moment must 
be lost in bagging the dead birds,—cripples it is impossible to 
bag, so quickly do they dive, and so cunningly do they skulk,— 
and that at best it is a matter of some, little risk. 
Fortunately, the bird is so easily killed, and the range of his 
flight is so small, that very light charges, and very small shot, are 
in use. With the recklessness I have seen displayed in this 
sport, were large charges, and heavy shot used, it would be an 
affair of‘real danger to shoot at Dullman’s Flats, at the mouth 
of the Nesliaminy, or at Perkins’ Flats, or Newbold’s Island— 
the best places above Philadelphia, on the Delaware, and the 
only places, with the exception of a small flat, of an acre or two 
in extent, before my own door on the Passaic, where I have 
ever shot Rail. 
The great onus and excellence of the sport depends, as it will 
readily be seen, on the pole-man, or pusher, and with two 
equally good shots, it shall make a difference of nearly half the 
bag, which has the better assistant. The skill at marking dead 
birds, the rapidity of bagging them, and the adroitness at push¬ 
ing, to which some of these men attain, is truly remarkable ; 
and accustomed to the society of gentlemen, and provided with 
a good stock of sporting anecdote, and sporting information, they 
are generally very conversable, and discreet fellows, with whom 
a few hours can be spent, not only without tedium, but with 
some profit. 
John Horn, of Bristol, in Pennsylvania, is the best hand of 
these hardy aquatics I have ever encountered, and many a good 
day’s sport and fun have I enjoyed in his company, and under 
his guidance, on the broad and tranquil Delaware. 
