254 DUCK-SHOOTING. 
peared ; long lines of sedge-grass and reeds sprang 
up from the water; the eastern sky, and especially 
the bright strip beneath the cloud, became lighter ; 
a roseate tinge spread itself over the meadows, 
deepening to intensity in the east, and at last the 
sun peeped over the horizon. 
Occasionally ducks will move at the first break 
of dawn; but frequently, as in the present instance, 
they do not fly till about sunrise; then the canvas- 
backs commenced coming in from the open water ; 
the red-heads accompanied them; and the mallards, 
aroused from safe beds among the reeds, flew with 
loud quackings overhead. Later, the rapid blue- 
bills and teal darted past, the pin-tails moved 
majestically in stately lines, and the diminutive 
butter-balls hurried by. The rising sun dissipated 
the clouds, and the increasing wind announced a 
glorious ducking-day. 
To enjoy this sport thoroughly, or to make the 
most of the chances offered, requires long practice 
and peculiar skill; but, when this skill has been ac- 
quired, no specialty in sportmanship can be carried 
to higher perfection, or confer more intense delight. 
To observe quickly and note the direction of flight 
of the distant flock; to catch sight of the single 
bird just topping the reeds; to hide well from the 
sharp eyes of the approaching ducks; to keep a 
steady footing, yielding to the treacherous motions 
of the unsteady boat without losing self-command ; 
to measure the distance accurately from birds pass- 
ing high in air; to select the proper moment to 
