302 DUCK SHOOTING. 



all the others cotnbined. This point has been for nearly- 

 half a century occupied by one family, father and sons, 

 until their interest was merged in the Monomoy Brant- 

 ing Club. Fifty years ago, when flint-lock guns were 

 in use, the boxes were partly covered over, to prevent 

 the diving fowl from catching sight of the flash, and 

 thus escaping. 



The guns were run out through embrasures, and this 

 method necessitated the order, "Ready! — one, two — 

 fire !" It was discovered, however, when the birds were 

 with the decoys, that they were not so easily fright- 

 ened, and all this roofing-in arrangement was dispensed 

 with, more particularly after the invention of percus- 

 sion caps. As we have been connected with the Mono- 

 moy Branting Club from its birth, our remarks hence- 

 forth will have reference more especially to the doings 

 of that organization. 



In forming the club, it was arranged that the non- 

 resident members — persons living in Boston or vicinity 

 — should build and furnish a shanty, provide boats, 

 boxes and the necessary tools for carrying forward the 

 enterprise, while the resident members — whose homes 

 were at Chatham — should make and keep in repair the 

 boxes, do boating, cooking, taking care of the decoys, 

 and generally looking after the welfare and interests 

 of the non-residents. We are happy to add that the 

 plan has worked admirably, and to the entire satisfac- 

 tion of both "the high contracting parties." It is for 

 the time being a sort of co-partnership, the non-resi- 

 dents paying a stipulated sum for board and privileges. 



