A MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS. 239 
the lake, where they embark in boats, provided with a rower. Ata 
given signal the whole flotilla puts off from the shore, and advances 
slowly towards the portion on which the ducks are resting. 
These unusual preparations surprise the birds, which utter plaintive 
cries of terror as they crowd together. The boats, however, hem 
them in on all sides, gradually contracting their circle so as to en- 
close them in a limited space. When closely pressed, they spread 
their wings and unwillingly take flight over the heads of their 
enemies. ‘This is the signal for the firing of the first volley. There 
is now no cessation in the report of guns ; for usually no less than 
500 sportsmen meet on the not very extensive surface of such 
lakes as Mauguio or Palavas. The massacre lasts for some hours ; 
in fact, these unfortunate birds, incapable of flying very far, are 
pursued from place to place by the pitiless boats, which are soon, 
like the bark of the venerable Charon, laden with the dead. When 
no birds remain on the lake, the shores are searched, to recover 
the wounded. Three thousand of these birds will sometimes thus 
be taken in the space of a few hours. As a matter of course, 
quarrels often arise among the sportsmen; the cause of dispute 
frequently being some bird which has been shot at from several 
boats at the same moment. ‘These disturbances, which usually begin 
with shouts and abuse, from the warmth of the southern blood, some- 
times terminate fatally. In this sport tumult reaches its utmost pitch, 
and it is as productive of danger as of pleasure. Sometimes a boat 
capsizes, owing to the excessive eagerness of the rowers ; sometimes 
a sportsman is wounded by an awkward neighbour, or two or three 
men fall into the water in trying to reach their prey. Such are the 
exciting scenes that I have often witnessed in my youth ; they were 
the supreme delight of the boys of Clapas (Montpellier). The same 
sport is practised at Hyeres, in the Var, and on the lake of Berre, 
near Marseilles. 
On the coasts of Picardy, where it abounds during winter, very 
destructive means are used for its capture. Nets are stretched 
horizontally in the water, above the banks of shell-fish which the 
sea has left uncovered by its reflux, and on which these birds feed. 
When they dive to seize their prey they become entangled in the 
meshes, from which they cannot escape. 
This Scoter is also the object of individual sport when it does not 
arrive in these immense flocks. Itis then shot from a boat like other 
water-fowl. 
The Black Scoter is seldom seen on aristocratic tables, for its 
flesh, which is by no means tender, retains a very decided marshy 
