CONTENTS. 3 
CHAPTER IX. 
MALLARD TIMBER SHOOTING, 
Spring overflow—Examining the gun—Aim unfailing—A forgiving 
wife—Reverence—Seek the shallow water—A feeding ground— 
Your excellent blind-—-Don’t shoot through tree-tops—How to set 
out decoys—The wrong call—How to call in the timber—An ill- 
judged shot—Make the most of it. 
CHAPTER X. 
MALLARD SILOOTING AT ICE-HOLES. 
Their resort—The hunter hears them—The hunter and his dog— 
Careful reconnoitering—An intelligent dog—A gentle reproach— 
Acquiescence—A bonanza—Blinds. 
CHAPTER XI. 
IN THE MARSH—MORNING. MIDDAY AND EVENING DUCK 
SHOOTING, 
Early impressions—Yourself—Shells—Take plenty—Poor consolation 
—‘ Me-amp’”? —Disgusted—-Number 6 shot—What powder ?— 
Machine shells—Chilled shot—Clothing—Big feet—Rubber coat— 
Sympathy—An early start—Coffee for two—On the water by moon- 
light—Frosty morning—Meredosia bottoms—The marsh—A duck 
pass—The Mississippi—The Wapsipinicon—Their feed—Among 
the ducks—'loo ‘easy—Daybreak—A narrow escape—l'wo feet 
ahead—Dogs—The best day for ducks—No cranky boat—How to 
set out decoys—Tell the difference ?—A blind—A funny thing 
about 8’s—Use judgment—A watchful dog—Like fluttering leaves 
—High climbers—Why didn’t you shoot ?—Historical scenery— 
Blackhawk—-Mound-builders—Briarwood pipe ?—In the middle of 
the day—Where to find them—Dropping in; mark the spot—In- 
vestigate—How to wrap decoys—Got fooled, didn’t she ?—A clean 
miss—A handsome pair—Effeminate ? Oh, no!—How all come at 
once—Darkness in a swamp—-Flames from your gun—Sunset— 
Twilight—The North Star—Steamer for home-—One hundred and 
twelve ducks. 
CHAPTER XII. 
SHOVELER—SPOONBILL. 
A queer duck—Peculiar bill—Why is it ?--A plebeian—Nature’s pro- 
vision—The section boss—Fair field and no favor—An artist. 
CHAPTER XIII. 
BLUE BILL--SCAUP DUCK. 
How they derive their names—Their food—Little salts—In rough 
