29 JUNE 1901, Page 47

THE WILDFOWLER IN SCOTLAND.

The Wil,Ifouler in Scotland. By John Ghillie Millais. (Long- mans and (2o. 30s.)—Mr. Millais has written and illustrated a very charming book on duck-shooting, for, as every one who has seen his other books will remember, be is not only a naturalist and a sportsman, but also a good writer and an excellent artist. Such a combination of tastes and talents is unfortunately rare. The sport which he describes (for the most part on the estuaries and firths of the East Coast of Scotland) has many attractions to those who like shooting combined with difficulties and wildness. The tidal waters are open to all ; but knowledge of local geo- graphy and experience of the habits of wildfowl are required before anything can be done. It is also well to enlist the friend- ship of the professional shore-shooters who make a poor living by the regular pursuit of wildfowl round the coast. Mr. Millais describes with enthusiasm the fascinations of these Northern waters ; the methods of securing fighting ducks; the experi- ences he has had in various weathers and with various punts. men. He tells us of days with the 8-bore and the punt-gun, with which after difficult stalking enormous bags may be obtained. His writings are full of interest, and we regret we can only give such an imperfect account of this delightful book. For the illustrations we have nothing but praise ; but they must be seen in order to be thoroughly appreciated. No one has over drawn ducks more beautifully.