SHOOTING MALLARDS IN A SNOW STORM. 87 
wondered why they did not get more, when we did so 
well. It was amusing to me, although I could have 
told them what programme they followed throughout 
the entire day,—any old hunter could. It is a pro- 
gramme that most young hunters faithfully carry out. 
It begins ; the firs¢ number is talk, generally a duet, 
simply because two are present. Were there more 
than two it would be a—well, it would depend on the 
number of voices, as all present would join in. The 
second number is usually a recitation, in which one of 
the party descants on the wonderful things he has seen, 
and the great shooting qualities of his gun. To make 
it still more interesting, he allows the oars to slip 
against the locks emitting sounds that can be heard for 
«mile through the still woods. The balance of the 
programme isn’t much different, although the finale is 
grand. This usually takes place, when they attempt 
cautiously to land the boat, that they may make a sneak 
on ducks they have seen light. The rower attempts to get 
out quietly, and lets his oars fall clattering into the 
boat. He goes to pick them up, the boat tips a little ; 
to save himself he accidentally steps on his dog. The 
dog yelps, running the chromatic scale as far as high 
““C,” while he in the stern tries to keep the boat from 
upsetting, swears at his partner for his clumsiness, and 
both kick at the innocent dog. The dog slips from un- 
der the descending foot, the kicker by the force of his 
kick loses his balance, and falls headfirst into the cold 
water, or seats himself in the soft mud, while the dog 
sits on his tail on the bank, and joyfully barks. 
