THE CANADA GOOSE. 237 



almost directly with the wind. By their actions 

 he must regulate his approach, whether fast or 

 slow. They may often huddle together, seemingly 

 to discuss the nature of the object approaching 

 them and the prudence of remaining; and then, 

 as though considering their fears groundless, may 

 spread apart again. If the hunter now uses due 

 caution, he will seldom fail to get within reason- 

 able gunshot ; but on their huddling close" to- 

 gether, stretching their necks, and turning about 

 head to wind, he may be assured they intend to 

 rise, and if he is within distance, as soon as they 

 turn he must be ready to fire. Turning the bow 

 slightly by a cpjick stroke of the oar to fiivor his 

 awkward position for shooting, and grasping his 

 heaviest gun, he rises quickly, and pours in both 

 barrels as rapidly as possible, yet taking time to 

 select the thickest portion of the flock, and to 

 deliver his loads with most killing eflx^ct. Then 

 instantly seizing his second gun, he is to secure 

 as many as possible as they fly by or turn from 

 him. If he is possessed of a third gun, he will first 

 kill his most active cripples; then, after securing 

 the wounded, he may gather the dead. It is a 

 prevailing idea amongst sportsmen that geese, 

 and in fact all wild fowl, should always be ap- 



