14 The M^ater-fowl Family 



looked down on a sizable marsh, its edges sur- 

 rounded largely by reeds and rushes. The sight 

 that greeted us is beyond my powers of de- 

 scription, and for a minute we all gazed spell- 

 bound. About the shores we could see a little 

 water, elsewhere none ; the surface of that pond 

 was one black mass of ducks, hundreds and thou- 

 sands. Fortunately an old hand was along. As 

 we started to get ready, he checked us, " Wait 

 until we see the pass." Presently, successive 

 flocks leading into the lake from the opposite 

 side told their course. By this time we could 

 wait no longer. The team was driven into a little 

 hollow, and the man who " knew it all " was 

 responsible for the promise it would stand. 

 Then came the question of the dogs ; " Tie them 

 to the wheels and come along." We followed the 

 shore, keeping just far enough back not to be 

 observed, stopping now and then to look at that 

 sight of ducks. Soon we were among the reeds 

 and hicrh crrass of the farther end and could see 

 the continuation of the slough in a little chain of 

 ponds beyond. There were more birds than I 

 believed could ever crowd into one place. We 

 separated a few feet, forming a line across the 

 most likely pass ; there was no need of a blind ; 

 the grass hid us well. During this time several 

 flocks had passed over within range, but not a 

 shot had been fired ; we were all getting ready. 



