262 GAME DEEP-WATER FOWL. 



you before firing, if you can help it. When 

 first wounded, they usually sit with head erect, 

 looking for the cause of their misfortune, and 

 are then easily killed ; but as soon as they dis- 

 cover the shooter, they dive, and, if only winged, 

 it is useless to follow them, unless, however, the 

 water is perfectly calm, when the ripple occasion- 

 ed by their coming to the surface can be readily 

 seen. Even then it takes hard work and a long 

 chase to secure them, and if ducks are flying 

 well it is better to let them go. If struck in 

 the body, they may be more easily tired, and 

 then captured. They are exceedingly expert divers, 

 and can swim under water to much longer dis- 

 tances than any others of the vegetable-eating 

 ducks. 



When chasing cripples, do not allow them to 

 remain long enough at the surface of the water 

 to regain their breath, if you can by shouting 

 prevent it, unless you are ready to shoot them 

 over again, which, by the way, you should alway^s 

 be prepared to do, if desirous, before leaving 

 your blind. Their course under water you may 

 frequently follow by the minute air-bubbles es- 

 caping from them and coming to the surface 

 when they begin to get exhausted. If you are 



