54 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 
leaves tremble in the morning air, and at the dwarfish 
evergreens that peep out from the deep caverns on 
these huge bluffs, where the moss in green and gold 
clings to the rough-faced rocks. Vultus est index 
animi. (The face is the index of the mind.) This is 
clearly shown in your looks—your bright eye, thought- 
ful expression, and deep, meaning smile. 
Put up your oars. We will land on this island, and 
fix our boat. Weare at the head of *“ Dark Shute,” 
looking to the south. “ Dark Shute” is at our right, 
the main river at our left. Formerly “Dark Shute” 
was the channel proper, but of late years it is changed, 
and is on the east side of the island. It derived its 
name from the deep darkness which at night is reflect- 
ed from the high bluffs you were admiring. Let me 
fix the blind on the boat. All right! you may help me. 
Bring those old, decayed chunks of wood. We will 
trim the bow first. Short pieces. Now you see the 
decoy sack comes handy, it helps fill out. Watch how 
I put these sticks on. They must present the appear- 
ance when completed of an old log, with up-turned 
root, or floating brush pile,—something that ducks 
daily see in running water. Scatter over the blind 
slender twigs, putting some up straight, as if the stump 
had sprouted. Not too high, or they will interfere 
with your shooting. Now let us step back, and see 
what kind of architects we are. Pretty good! But 
those overhanging twigs won't do; they must be kept 
out of the water, as they will make ripples, and you 
know floating logs and brush never do. There, that’s 
it! that will do. On the sides we will lay a few long 
sticks. Put the oars in the boat, there, at the side ; we 
won't want them till night. It’s down stream work, 
