142 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 
for; there are some constantly in the air, those com- 
ing first set their wings, coming in to the decoys ; some- 
where in sight of these, but unseen by us, are others, 
perhaps a mile off. They see their kind circling 
around or alighting, and go where they are; others see 
these and do the same. Thus while wesee but few 
coming in, several different lots are approaching us at 
different distances, from various points. This is how 
it happens that one often kills anywhere from 6 to 15 
birds, almost as fast as he can load and shoot. But 
why dwell on what we do for the next few hours? 
We have found their retreat, they come in from all 
directions, not sufficiently fast to heat one’s gun, but 
with enough regularity to make it interesting, and not 
tedious by long waits between shots. We enjoy the 
sport, enjoy seeing one another make difficult shots, 
enjoy the keen air, the cool November day. As you 
look at your watch a surprised look is seen on your 
face, and much to your astonishment it is six o’clock. 
Faintly we hear the whistles sounding that hour in the 
adjacent towns. Do not let the excitement of the 
evening flight cause you to forget the absolute neces- 
sity of taking your bearings inthe marsh,for when the 
shades of night settle on the swamp, you will be lost 
for the time being, and your lack of forethought may 
force you to pass the night in your boat. Mark the 
way you came in by some tall tree, or bluffs, that you 
know in the darkness will loom up against the sky, or 
any other way that you can depend on. Ifinastrange 
marsh, or in unknown woods, don’t take any chances ; 
for unless you have experienced it, you can form no 
accurate idea of the perfect blank your whole sur- 
roundings will present. Better lose the late shooting 
