KOTES FROM THE ROCKS. 



123 



a rivulet joins the sea, we proceeded to pile up a screen of large stones, 

 behind which we squatted, without either ease or dignity, to await the arrival 

 of some unfortunate victim. Snow had fallen to the depth of two or three 

 inches since the recedal of the tide, and had covered the broad field of rocks 

 with a heavy mantle; and we soon besprinkled our wall with several haridfuls, 

 the better to hide our whereabouts. We had no sooner withdrawn our guns 

 from their covers, than we observed three ducks, at a distance of two hundred 

 yards, silently approaching a passage between two ledges of rocks, which stood 

 like guards at the mouth of the stream. Their extraordinary speed of swim- 

 ming soon realized our suspicions of their being Pochards, as no other than 

 the broad paddles of a Fuligula could have reached us so soon."^' In a few 

 moments they were opposite our place of concealment, and we had leisure to 

 watch their movements. After traversing the large sheet of water, and not 

 finding a suitable feeding-place, they again made for the passage opening to 

 the sea; but a Mallard at this moment alighted on a rock a few yards behind, 

 and attracted their attention. Then came others flying about us, some even 

 alighting in pools within three or four yards distance. The snow shower had 

 passed off, and all was still for a time, the only sounds, besides the hollow 

 noise of the waves, being the whewing of the Widgeons as they flew over 

 our heads. The Scaups were paddling before us in a kind of bewilderment, 

 and they came nearer and nearer, as if inviting the Mallard to join them ; but 

 he seemed more intent on preparing his feathers for the water, than on 

 receiving the addresses of his less elegant neighbours. What were our own 

 feelings? We had a longing eye to them all, but what were we to do? 

 There was a heavy tier of pitchy clouds away towards the north, and though 

 the Ducks were distinctly visible on the water, it was not unlikely we should 

 lose sight of them in the darkness if they took wing. We threw into each 

 barrel a few pieces of slug, and cast one look at the single bird, and another 

 at the trio; but, unfortunately for the latter, the Fuligulinas were the class 

 of coast birds which at that time occupied our studies; and without further 

 reflection on the comparative value of one handsome Mallard, and, it might be, 

 three clumsy Scaups, we aimed at the majority. Our companion firfed, and 

 two of the birds lay dead on the rippling pool, while the third never attempted 

 to leave them. It paddled from one to the other in mute wonder, exhibiting 

 the same affection as many other birds in a like bereavement. Being without 

 a water-dog, and unwilling to lose our ill-gotten prey, we plunged in and 

 struck out for the floating prize. The live Duck tarried by its dead companions 

 till we nearly laid hold of it; and when at last it took flight, it uttered a 

 stifled croak and flew round and round the spot; for, although the night was 

 dark, we could sometimes see it dip towards the water, and we heard the 



* Naturalists or sportsmen, in soareh for these birds, would do weU to take up their position 

 close to the edge of the sea, near any opening in the rocks leading to smooth water, behind, aa 

 they very frequently form into swimming companies of six or s-iven, and tra\el in this way to 

 their feading ground. 



