342 WILD FOWL SHOOTINE. 
isn’t necessary that he should buy a suit, the only re- 
quisite being, that it should be neutral in color and con- 
form to his surroundings. Very dark or very light 
color should not be used; any strong contrast of shade 
is noticeable, and of consequence to be avoided. Wild 
fowl are much more apt to be alarmed at dark objects 
than light, and a black hat, sitting as it were on the 
top of the rice stalks, in some faded swamp, is frequent- 
ly seen encasing the skull of one who ought to know 
better. It is difficult to imagine anything more con- 
spicuous than a black hat in sucha place. Let a hunter 
wear one, no matter how he is dressed otherwise, and 
he is plainly seen for a mile or more down the marsh ; 
then let him move around, and the swinging of his 
head, the appearing and disappearing of that swarthy 
* kopf” is as complete an alarm to some incoming 
drake, asifa brass band were secreted there, and twelve 
Teutons should suddenly arise, point their horns at the 
drake, and toot, “ See the conquering hero comes.” 
Then don’t wear a black hat. An old light gray suit of 
clothes, a slouch hat of faded gray, is about the thing. 
Have your coat pockets immense, that you may carry 
large quantities of shells and get at them handily. 
Canvas suits can be had fromany gun store, and are the 
most serviceable ; still, I prefer corduroy of drab grass 
color. This answers equally well, whether in marsh 
or timber. Always bear in mind to dress for warmth, 
for the season for duck shooting is usually one of in- 
clement weather, and at times the thickest and warmest 
suits are insufficient to properly protect the wearer. 
Should the hunter get too warm, it is a very simple 
thing to discard one’s coat, and place it in the boat, to 
be put on again as the day grows colder. 
