OUTFITS, BLINDS, DECOYS AND DUCK-CALLS. 347 
unobstrueted view. Nothing more quickly disconcerts 
a hunter than to have his barrels knock against twigs 
when about to shoot. When your blind is built in tim- 
ber, carefully avoid shooting through limbs and twigs ; 
it seems impossible to shoot through them with effect. 
A simple and excellent blind, easily constructed and 
nlways handy and serviceable in marsh shooting, is made 
by taking two large coffee sacks, sew the ends together, 
then begin about one inch from the top, and with yel- 
lowish brown braid, say about 1-2 inch wide, form loops 
from one end of the sack to the other, about an inch 
apart, the loops being 1-2 inch in space; then drop 
down say a foot from these loops, and make duplicate 
ones; these make sockets in which flags or grass can 
be stuck. About three feet apart run through short 
strong twine tied to the sack, leaving about four inches 
of string. Cut sticks, or take them with you in your 
boat, shove them into the mud, tie the sack to them, 
insert flags so they extend about six inches over the 
top, and you will have one of the most convenient 
blinds ever made. 
When cover is light they are of great value and a 
perfect shield. I recall one day when far from shore, 
sitting on a muskrat house, screened by one of these 
blinds. I had most excellent shooting for hours. 
While blinds are a necessity, let the beginners never 
forget that it is motion that frightens ducks more than 
anything. Always bear in mind ducks are high in the 
air, are on the alert. Your blind, your clothes are ex- 
actly like the swamp, but move, and the ducks will al- 
most invariably see you, and, being alarmed, sheer off. 
When they are at a distance arrange yourself. Keep 
calm, be cool, don’t move until they come toa point 
