col es, but in migration the nove in large flocks; and when resting during 
is, they oft t huddled together closely \s we reclined on the 
he Columbia near Two Rivers early one April morning, we were 
d to witness the exlibition of an interesting trait common to several 
species of migrant water-fowl. The current of the river at this point (nearly 
ypposite Homely Island) ts pretty swift and it breaks into bad rapids below 
but the birds, having recently come up thru the it gap, would settle on the 
water a mile rr” so ab eC us al loat down strea ipparentl Ik the sneer 
fun of the thing. In this way an endless procession of Scaups, Mallards, Teal, 
Shovellers, and Canvas-backs, was hurried along before our admiring gaze 
Most of the birds rose upon reach the rapids, Lo re-alight well up stream; 
but some, Butterballs, Mergansers, and such, preferred the exhilaration of the 
pr then sel es mcing upstreal } we noted what appeared to be a log, 
turning lazily witl hifting of the current. Judge of our surprise when, at 
close q ters, the log esolved self to a compact mass of Coots, a hundred 
ir so at least They made a pretty sight with their new spring suits and their 
elistening ivory bills, eac 1 crowding S or like boys on a bob-sled \s 
tine Swept past we col ld almost believe t t the leader shouted Isn’t this 
sport ! Great!’ we answered IX il sport it certaini was, and the birds 
t their ducl 1 i ipids witl e be t oO Itho the « pan 
s ba yroke pb he poun 1g Tr th iters We t tne lf } 
